The key defender, recruited from North Hobart with pick 24 in the 2011 national draft, has been a beneficiary of the Suns' injury woes, making his debut in round five against Brisbane.

"It was nervous to start off with, but I've learnt a lot," the 21-year-old told The Examiner this week. "The game is a lot more quicker than I'm used to, and the bodies more solid as well, and you just have to be on top of the game plan and have a great knowledge of the game to play at this level.

"My goals have obviously changed since getting into the side, but now I'm just looking to do what I can to make sure I can do my role for team, while growing as a player.

"Now that I have this opportunity, I've got to do my best to hold on to it."

The 197-centimetre, 89- kilogram Schade has had Coleman Medal leader Josh Kennedy, Collingwood duo Travis Cloke and Jesse White and Adelaide's Tom Lynch among his first few opponents.

Against two-time reigning premiers Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium today, he is likely to either get Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston or a resting ruckmen such as David Hale or Jonathon Ceglar, but will get support with the return of Steven May.

"I'll just have to build my knowledge on those guys, on their strengths, on their leading patterns so I can try to predict what they are going to do," Schade said.

"I have learnt a lot about myself as a footballer over the last month or so, which has been quite challenging, and I do get excited by the prospect of lining up on these guys. They are a great side and it is going to be a huge challenge, but we just have to bring our competitiveness to the table and make sure we use the ball well and defend hard.

"I have been thrown in the deep end, as there hasn't been that much experience with me down the back line, and that experience is one I will look back on and be thankful for to play on these great players."

Schade, who played and trained at Aurora Stadium as a Mariner before being drafted, could not wait to return in front of dad Steven and step-mum Julie.

Four of the five Tasmanians on the Suns' list will be in action today.