Luke McDonald says a difficult year personally will be revived if he manages to keep his spot for the Roos’ clash against Richmond on Sunday.

Following a memorable first season, the young gun has played just 13 games in 2015. But backing up from last year’s finals’ campaign is his number one goal.

“Definitely I’ll be around the mark. We have main training today and hopefully Scotty (Brad Scott) doesn’t come up to me and have a word,” McDonald said on RSN Racing & Sport.

“Obviously everyone wants to be in the side this time of the year and if my opportunity doesn’t come this weekend, I’ll be doing everything I can to hopefully get in in the coming weeks.”

McDonald was one of the Roos’ best in the first half last Friday night, staking his claim to hold his spot.

While it’s been a challenging season, the defender is confident his best is yet to come.

“I suppose following on from last year you just want to keep going, but I’ve spent about five games in the twos,” McDonald said.

“That probably wasn’t on the plan at the start of the year, but it’s been good for me to have that experience and have it hopefully early in my career.

“I’ll learn a lot that it doesn’t just keep rolling on (games in the AFL), but if there’s one thing that I’ve been told is that it’s all about finals footy.

“If I’m back in the side this week, the rest of the year doesn’t matter to me, I just want to be playing in September and I think that’s the same for most people.”

McDonald said the feeling of finals was evident around the club.

“It’s really exciting because everyone wants to be playing footy in September and 10 teams aren’t,” he added.

“We’re one of the lucky few so it’s a really exciting vibe around the club at the moment.”

A crowd of around 80,000 is expected for Sunday’s clash at the MCG.

The Roos’ team will be confirmed at 6.25pm EST tonight.

North Melbourne will hold an open training session this Saturday (September 12, 2015) at Arden Street from 11.15am-12.00pm.