Luke McDonald is on a mission – a mission to improve.

The defender was omitted from the senior side after North’s loss to Collingwood, playing for VFL affiliate Werribee in the past month.

McDonald told NMFC.com.au he was well aware of what areas he had to work on in order to earn his place back in the Roos line up.

“One-on-one stuff, keeping my feet and being strong in the contest,” he said.

“Growing up I was an alright kick, and I probably haven’t shown what I reckon I can bring to AFL level.”

McDonald played every game in 2014, including both finals, and said watching from the outer was driving him to improve.

“It’s been different – obviously I was playing all the games last year and going alright at the start of this year – so I get a bit jealous every time I watch the boys run out, but it’s a good learning experience for me,” he said.

"I’ve just got to work on a few things and hopefully I’m back in the ones in no time."

While most players were looking forward to a break during the bye week, McDonald said he was disappointed to not be able to press his case for an AFL call-up.

"The bye was alright, but to be honest I wanted to keep playing and keep pushing my name up for selection.

"It was a good break, but I just wanted to keep playing."

Despite being just 20-years-of-age, McDonald said his Werribee teammates were looking to him to lead from defence.

"In my first game (for Werribee) we had a good win against Richmond... but the last two we’ve had a couple of big fade outs.

"Being in the backline and one of the more senior players I’ve had to take a bit more responsibility which is good for my development."

Asked what he made of North’s season so far, McDonald was confident the Roos would be able to bounce back and make a big impression with September looming large.

"(Six wins and six losses is) not where we want to be, but in saying that we’ve had a pretty tough draw ... that’s not an excuse or anything, we’ve played some inconsistent footy, but hopefully we can string a few games together, make the top 8 and push one further than last year."