Especially so for Cyril Rioli, one of the game's most exciting young talents, who admits he is still adjusting to being recognised by complete strangers.
Rioli's freakish talents and a long-running joke on The Footy Show have combined to boost his public profile in just a short period since making his debut in 2008.
"I get it a bit here and there. I get the odd 'delicious' when I'm out from people on the street. I get recognised a lot more now. The boys at the club are pretty cool about it though," Rioli said.
"I'm a pretty shy guy. I don't really think too much of it to be honest. I just play the game and everyone can say what they want. As long as I'm doing the team things and my teammates are happy with what I'm doing, I'm happy."
While fame brings with it plenty of banter and back slapping, it also has a down side as Rioli discovered earlier this year.
The 20-year-old was enjoying a couple of quiet drinks one night last month and was subsequently reprimanded by the Hawks' leadership group for staying out late.
While Rioli was not drunk or being antisocial, he says he learned from the experience.
"I had the weekend off and just caught up with a few mates. I had a few drinks and the media blew it up a bit. It wasn't really a big deal. Being injured, I guess I shouldn't have been out. A lot of guys make mistakes I guess," he said.
Rioli said he was coming to terms with the fact he is a recognisable face and realises he can't escape the public eye.
"I know that Buddy (Lance Franklin) has stopped going out now. It's probably a good idea just to stay home. It was probably a bit of a wake-up call for me," he said.
"Being injured as well, I was pretty close to playing and needed to get things right so I could get back playing footy."
At the time Rioli was recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of action for a big chunk of the pre-season.
While he has starred in the last two games, the Hawk forward admits he is still not quite back to full fitness.
"I've probably still got a bit to go. I've been running solidly for about four weeks. I'm trying to get that match fitness but everything is pretty good," he said.
The groin injury is being managed carefully by the Hawks' medical staff who are handling Rioli with caution.
"The only solid hit-out I will get is the games now. The week's pretty light for me. I'm getting a lot of physio and extra rubs. Recovery during the week and a big hit-out during the game."
Last year Rioli put an end to rumours he would be targeted by Gold Coast by signing a three-year contract with the Hawks.
Having lived in Melbourne since he was a 14-year-old boarder at Scotch College, the Northern Territory native has no plans to move anywhere and recently bought an apartment in Hawthorn that he shares with girlfriend Shannon and cousin Narelle.
His star is rising and he is already seen as a role model to indigenous people around the country but there is no sign that his high profile has changed him in any way.
"I still feel as if I'm the same bloke. I'm still only 20 and I guess my name has got a bit bigger over the last couple of years. But I'm still quiet," he said.
"Some of the young guys might look up at me but it's only my third year and I don't really see myself as a leader just yet, just a guy who loves footy."
