HAWTHORN Next Generation Academy prospect Connor Downie expects to train with the Hawks over the pre-season as he looks to back up a promising bottom-age season.

Downie, who will play in the NAB All Stars 'Futures' clash on Saturday morning in the Grand Final curtainraiser, impressed this season for the Eastern Ranges.

The midfielder played 14 games for the club, including their NAB League Grand Final loss to the Oakleigh Chargers, and averaged 16 disposals.

Jack Higgins presents Connor Downie with his under-17s jumper. Picture: AFL Photos

Since joining the Hawks' NGA, Downie has worked closely with former Richmond midfielder Nathan Foley, who heads the club's program.

"It started a few years back with some occasional sessions on the holidays, but this year we've been doing a session each month to keep in touch. They teach me a lot of little things and Nathan often texts me to see how I'm going," Downie said.

"I've caught up with him a few times to go over some vision and he's given me some really good advice.

"It's been really good seeing how the AFL players work. It's a bit surreal seeing blokes like Tom Mitchell and James Worpel walking past you, and it's been really good.

"From previous discussions they're trying to get a few of the boys who are eligible for next year to spend a bit more time training with the club over the pre-season."

The 17-year-old is eligible to join the Hawks as a multicultural athlete next year because his mother is Chinese, having moved from China to Australia when she was 24.

Downie spent most of this season playing as an outside midfielder, including in his appearance for Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

On occasions he has also been used off half-back, but next year he plans to spend more time in an 'inside' role.

The All Stars game at the MCG may present an opportunity for that, as it will for Downie to follow the likes of players in recent years to use the under-17s clash to kickstart their draft campaign – including this year's likely No.1 pick.

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"I'm definitely looking forward to it, especially on the MCG and on such a big day as the Grand Final," he said.
"I really want to keep trying to get my name out there and show everyone I'm a promising player like Matt Rowell and other players have done in recent years."

The game will be streamed live on AFL.com.au and the Official AFL Live app from 10am local time. 

Under-17s NAB All Stars team lists