With a second pre-season just about behind him, the 19-year-old from Huonville, told Fairfax Media he had settled into life in Melbourne, and was ready for whatever challenges 2017 could throw at him

“Last year I was pretty nervous and felt a bit uncomfortable around the club, but I’ve built a lot of relationships and friendships so I definitely feel more at home,’’ the 22nd pick in the 2015 national draft said.

The inside-midfielder managed two AFL games last season, against Greater Western Sydney in round 6 and Richmond the following week, averaging 14.5 touches and two marks a game.

But he’s not about to start putting pressure on himself heading into this season, despite midfield spots being up for grabs with the departures of Jordan Lewis and Sam Mitchell.

“I’ve obviously got goals to play senior footy, and I’m doing everything that I can to achieve that without putting any extra expectations on myself,’’ Lovell said.

“It will just be for me about seeing how the season goes and trying to play the best footy that I can, no matter where that is, whether at Box Hill or at Hawthorn. 

“If there is a role there, I would love to take it, but  I just want to try to develop as a player, so it’s not really the end of the world if I don’t play AFL games this year.”

He would, however, love to get a run during the JLT Community Series, specifically against Geelong at Launceston’s University of Tasmania Stadium on Friday.

“It would pretty exciting as a lot of my family and friends would be there watching me play,’’ he said.

“Playing down in your home state is something very special, and I would love to do that.”

Lovell said he could sense the change at the Hawks after the departures of two of their modern greats.

“The dynamic of the group has changed and we’re a lot younger, so everyone is stepping up into more those leadership roles and filling the void,’’

“The next wave of us young players is coming through with a real presence at training and hopefully that can come through in more of a presence in games this season.

“I just think the energy around the group at training has lifted and the intensity at training has lifted as there is a lot more fighting for spots and a lot more fresh faces.”

One of the familiar faces that remains is four-time flag winner Grant Birchall, with Lovell saying he loved having the 29-year-old from Devonport as a teammate.

“He is one of the best footballers Tasmania has produced and he has always been very good supportive,’’ he said.

“Tassie boys always get around each other, it is just what we do, and it is pretty awesome to play with him.”

Friday’s game starts at 7.40pm.