LUKE McDonald is not putting his hand up for a week off ahead of the finals, but the first-year Roo will back the judgement of North Melbourne coach Brad Scott and his medical staff in the likely event they rest him this round.
McDonald has missed just one game in his first AFL season, sitting out North's round 17 clash with Carlton because of illness.
Scott said on Wednesday North would consider resting McDonald and veteran defender Michael Firrito from this Saturday night's clash against Melbourne as the club geared up for the finals.
McDonald later told AFL.com.au he was loving his first year in the AFL and was feeling good physically despite playing 20 games. ??But the 19-year-old said he was more than happy for Scott and North's medical team to dictate his finals preparation.
"I wouldn't mind getting rested, but I'm feeling pretty good. I had two weeks off when we had the (round 18) bye," McDonald said.
"But if Brad and the medical staff thinks that's what's best for me then I'll do it as long as I'm playing the next week.
"I've been well managed throughout the year. I think (playing) last year in the VFL has helped me as well, just playing against senior bodies and backing up each week."
Going by Scott's comments on Wednesday, McDonald need not worry that being rested will cost him a spot in North's week one finals team.
"I think that Luke McDonald has had an exceptional year … he's easily in our best side," Scott said.
McDonald has been one of the most outstanding first-year players in the competition this year, and should feature prominently in voting for the NAB AFL Rising Star award.
He started the season in defence, but has moved onto the wing recently and last week played a run-with role on Rory Sloane, keeping the Adelaide star to 17 possessions, well down on his 2014 average of 23.4 a game.
McDonald has averaged 17.3 possessions this year, but it has been his composure under pressure and his preparedness to take the game on with his run and penetrating left foot that has stood out.
McDonald, who is the son of North stakeholder relations director and 1980s forward Donald McDonald, said his debut season had exceeded his own expectations.
"Going into this year, I really wanted to play round one. All pre-season that was all I was thinking about," McDonald said.
"To cement my spot in the team and play as many (games) as I have it's definitely been exciting.
"Having the team success as well, I couldn't have planned it better.
"But obviously there's still a bit to go and I want to win a couple of finals first."
Asked to assess his season, McDonald said he had been consistent, but other Rising Star nominees had been more spectacular.
"I wouldn't say I've had any terrible games, but I wouldn't say I've had any absolute standout games either," McDonald said.
"Hopefully I'll be around the mark (in the Rising Star award).
"Obviously there's a lot of good players in the running this year, so I suppose I'll just wait and see next Wednesday."
And McDonald's Rising Star tip?
He says it's hard to go past hot favourite Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs), but would love to see great mate Jack Billings (St Kilda) get up.
