In all the statistical categories his output is remarkably similar to last season, but for any keen football observer his development his obvious; the 21-year old looks more comfortable on the field, more composed with the ball in his hands… he looks like he belongs.
Now in his fourth season at North Melbourne, Macmillan puts it down to a simple formula.
“I think it’s just confidence,” he told NMFC.com.au of his impressive start to the year.
“Last year a lot of my footy was based around always trying to do the right things. I wouldn’t say ‘not backing myself’, but it was more thinking ‘I’ve got to run here now, I’ve got to start here’. I wasn’t just playing footy.”
It may seem unusual to some, but even at the elite level the fear of making mistakes can curtail a player's career.
Ultimately, it was a hurdle Macmillan knew he had to overcome. He had to play his natural game to prosper in an unforgiving industry.
“For me, I’m the kind of guy that always wants to do the right thing. So for someone that always wants to do the right thing, people say ‘they’ll never take a risk’.
“I’ve always tried to avoid the risk to make sure I get it right, whereas this year I’ve found out that it’s not really risk, I’m just believing in myself. If I think I can hit that kick, I’ll just do it, now it’s not really a risk. Whereas before it was always the safe option.
“It’s just given me that confidence to now take the next step hopefully.”
Mature beyond his years, Macmillan is already a leader on the track. There’s little wonder he’s considered one of the most professional players at Aegis Park.
“I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of leadership. It’s something that I’d love to get involved in down the track,” he added.
“On the track is the easiest place for me to do it. You can say whatever you like out there. Our group is very quiet, very young so it is hard to get everyone talking on the track. I just try and help out where I can.”
The challenges for a modern-day footballer are vast. In years past, Macmillan would be vying for his spot on the wing with Sam Gibson, Will Sierakowski and Aaron Mullett. Now, there’s room for all four in the Kangaroos’ 22.
“That’s one of the big things about being versatile. We might have five or six blokes going through the wings and four or five blokes going through the flanks.”
Reflecting on his junior career, Macmillan remembers playing an entire game through the midfield. How things have changed.
“The way we want to play, and the way we want to run we’ve got to have those rotations.
“We’ve all got different strengths. Gibbo’s (Gibson) a really good runner. Fishy’s (Mullett) now developed the defensive aspects of his game
“Siera’s another good runner and good kicker, can use the ball well so he’s going to try and use that strength.”
All four were in action against the Power, a match that proved just reward for North’s early season efforts.
“The biggest thing to come out of the first six rounds is, when we play our way we know we are good enough.
“It’s given us the belief that when everyone does the right thing we can match it with the best sides.”
