Ben Brown says he is not concerned by the thought of a “second-year blues” tag.

In a feature for The Herald Sun, the North big man admitted he places pressure on himself to perform, but ultimately can only become better from that experience.

“I would be lying if I said I never questioned my ability or my preparation, or that I had never been nervous before a game or felt overawed by the quality of players around me,” Brown said.

“These feelings are part and parcel of life as an AFL footballer; they come with the job, just as the exhilaration of kicking a goal or the elation of victory do.”

Backing up from an impressive debut season, in which he booted 18 goals in 11 games is vital for the Tasmanian.

“I have heard, on multiple occasions, about how much tougher it will be this year and about how I would have to watch out for “those second-year blues”,” Brown said.

“In a player’s second year, opposition teams will know more about his style of play and his weaknesses, and it is likely forwards will draw better and more experienced defenders.

“Dealing with the increased attention and knowledge of the opposition is undoubtedly a challenge for second-year players, but it is also a phenomenon faced by all AFL players, regardless of their experience.

"Every player in the AFL will experience “blues” of one kind or another at some point in their career. Every veteran of the game had to negotiate their second year.

“If there is one overriding piece of knowledge that I gained from my first year of AFL football, it is that you must be willing to learn.”

Having already played in his first finals campaign, Brown’s presence on the biggest stage could prove invaluable going forward.

Nevertheless, he admitted he still has plenty to work on.

“There is no doubt that footy is going to get more challenging for me this year,” Brown said.

“I can only remain open to learning each day at training, and from good games, poor games and everything in between to try to become the best player I can be.

“It is also important to remember, I think, that it doesn’t matter how many times I hear about the “second-year blues” or how often I hear that I won’t succeed; most of the pressure that I feel will come from within myself.”