Often going unnoticed, the 19-year-old has played 26 senior games in the past two seasons – including last year’s grand final victory.

Donnelly is a versatile player who can play forward, have a run on the wing and has had to show his wares in defence in the past month following a season-ending neck injury to Jay Foon.

“I’m pretty versatile and can play most positions,” he said heading into the final round of 2018.

“I came up through juniors at George Town and Tamar Cats and then played seniors at Hillwood before crossing over to North three years ago.

“I had a few mates from Hillwood going to North to try out the TSL and Taylor was at Port Dalrymple teaching and sort of got into me a bit.”

Donnelly, who is in his first year studying health and PE teaching at University of Tasmania, played Mariners last year and filled in as an over-age player this season for a couple of matches.

However, a hip injury limited his ability to run smoothly and therefore the quality of his performances.

As for his future, Donnelly is content with playing regular senior footy, but wouldn’t mind more success after getting the taste for it last year under Tom Couch.

“It’s good to see Taylor has the confidence in me and I’ve been able to hold my spot,” Donnelly said.

“It was a great experience to play in a grand final and win.

“I’m enjoying it and a couple more flags wouldn’t be bad.”

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