With so much uncertainty and conjecture around the AFL right now, you could understand those new to the system being a little overwhelmed.

But North Melbourne youngster Matt McGuiness is taking it all in his stride, as he continues to live out his dream. 

The Category B rookie has returned to the family home in Lauderdale, Hobart, during the pandemic, with a firm focus on continuing to build his fitness.

Of course, there's no substitute for training with the group at Arden Street, but constant contact with coaches and teammates means the club is doing everything it can to replicate the enviroment. 

“It has been great for my development individually,” McGuinness told The Mercury of his time in the AFL system so far. 

“It is (North Melbourne) such a professional environment to be in. They are always on top of your wellness, your mental health and then your physical side of things.

“I’ve put on three kilos, but it has been a bit tough as on the running side of things; we were doing 12 to 13-kilometre sessions in the pre-season and when you are doing that you are losing two kilograms in sweat.

“I’ve loved every minute of it.”

While talk of reduced list sizes has been prevalent in media circles, the first-year rookie isn't fazed. He's keen to work on what he can control, and the let the rest take care of itself. 

“There hasn’t been any talk of contract terms or anything like that,” McGuinness added. 

“I speak every week with (senior coach Rhyce Shaw) over FaceTime so I’m always in contact with 'Shawry' and the playing group as well, but I haven’t really thought too much around the contract side of things.

“I’m more worried about when we are getting back playing footy and then I can put my best foot forward and put a case forward to get another contract.”

Photo: Nikki Davis-Jones (The Mercury)