North Melbourne midfielder Tom Powell believes last Thursday’s clash against St Kilda was a great learning exercise.

It was Powell’s first taste of AFL football, and the number 13 draft pick impressed with his ability to find the football in the contest.

But despite an impressive start, Powell isn’t resting on his laurels.

“The boys play at a much higher intensity in a match than at training,” he told North Media.

“It was great to get a taste of it and it gave me a few things to work on which I’ve been putting into practice this week

“I’ve learnt a heap already … and I’m trying to set myself up super-well for the season.”

Powell heaped praise on some of North’s more experienced midfielders, and says they’re all adding something different to his game.

“We have a very good midfield here,” he said.

“Ben (Cunnington), Jy (Simpkin) and Froggy (Trent Dumont) have all been really good with me.

“They’re giving me feedback about how I can improve, what I’m doing well and watching vision with me.

“They set a super high standard. There hasn’t been a specific player who has taken me under their wing. All the midfield leaders have been super good.”

Despite the clear abundance of midfield talent at the club, Powell backs his strengths to help him force his way into the best 22.

“Obviously just turning 19, I’m not as strong as these boys,” he said.

“It’ll take a couple of years in the gym … but I think my clean hands are something I can bring to the midfield.

“I’ve got very quick hands that can help feed those faster guys on the wing like Jared Polec, Aaron Hall and Phoenix Spicer.”