Tom Powell started his debut season of AFL football like a man possessed. In the early days of the 2021 season he was among North Melbourne’s best and most consistent performers.

His season was cut short after Round 14, when pubic overload forced him to the sidelines, but rather than framing the experience as a setback, he sees it as an opportunity for growth.

"I’ve been going really well since I played my last game last year. Obviously I had a bit of an interruption which was frustrating, but it taught me a lot of things,” Powell told North Media.

"I do all my rehab and my loading and my strength work properly because I know how important it is to build strength around my core … I'm in pretty good shape heading into this pre-season … I haven't missed a session yet and it’s been awesome.

"I'm loving being back out there with the boys … I definitely missed it and I don’t take it for granted."

Powell finished his first season averaging just under 17 disposals and four tackles, having split his time between his natural midfield position and the forward line. He kicked four goals for the season including North’s first of the campaign.

While still one of the freshest midfielders on North’s list, at 19 he is no longer among the youngest crop of players looking to make their mark at Arden Street.

With the draft class of 2021 getting into the swing of life as professional athletes, Powell has been offering guidance to the likes of Jason Horne-Francis who, like him, moved interstate to play at the club.

"It is weird to think I was in that position only a year ago. At times it seems like I’ve come a long way since then, but at times it feels like you’re still a young fella," Powell said.

"The young fellas are all buying in really well.

"‘Horney’ (Horne-Francis) has started like a house on fire … I can’t say I’ve taken him under my wing as such but I’ve gone through a bit of vision with him and I’m trying to teach him as much as I can.

"I’m also trying to give him a bit of advice on living interstate and how you adjust to the Melbourne lifestyle, which is a bit different to Adelaide."