MITCH O'Neill has carried the burden of being the face of Tasmania's NAB AFL Draft hopes all year.

The sole youngster from the Apple Isle invited to this year's NAB AFL Draft Combine, the North Hobart product has been tipped to be one of the only Tasmanians taken by an AFL club at the national draft.

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It's meant an added layer of pressure has been heaped upon the shoulders of O'Neill, a tough and versatile 181cm midfielder who is expected to garner interest within the second round of the draft next week.

"It's a lot of pressure, being one of the only Tassie boys," O'Neill told AFL.com.au.

"I feel like I'm representing the state, so it's a lot of pressure each week to try and perform.

"It's good down in Tassie, they've provided good support. But sometimes it does get to me."

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Not that you'd have known from O'Neill's performances, with the youngster one of just three players – alongside Will Gould and Jeremy Sharp – to earn All Australian honours at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in both his bottom and top-age seasons. 

His place in the midfield this year came after averaging 20.2 disposals and 5.5 marks per game with the Allies throughout the national carnival, where his athleticism and willingness to crash into packs through the air were on full display.

Unfortunately, that bravery also cost him his second half of the season. Going back with the flight to take a mark while playing for Tasmania in the NAB League, O'Neill was knocked in mid-air and landed awkwardly.

He damaged his MCL, requiring surgery and putting a premature end to his final year of junior footy.

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O'Neill was subsequently one of 13 draft hopefuls asked to undergo more medical checks by AFL clubs at Marvel Stadium last week, receiving a strong outlook on his recovery.

"They were really positive that the knee was coming along really well," O'Neill said.

"Everyone was really happy with it, so it all looks good."

Despite the setback, O'Neill is back running and remains on track to take part in day one of pre-season at an AFL club. To ensure he's more than ready for that daunting prospect, he's turned to his best mate – Richmond wingman Fraser Turner – to get back into shape.

Turner, who was recruited out of Clarence in Hobart with pick No.58 in last year's draft, has returned home for the off-season and has been hitting the gym and doing daily running sessions with O'Neill to prepare for season 2020.

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He's also passed on the odd piece of advice to make sure his childhood friend is ready for the rigours of everyday life as an AFL footballer.

"We've been best mates our whole lives, so he gives me a lot of tips as to what it's like in the AFL," O'Neill said.

"He's told me that at the club – if I get on a list – I need to earn the respect of my teammates and train really hard.

"He also told me not to get worked up over things, like if I'm playing good footy and I don't get a game … don't get worked up about it because it'll be your time when it's time."

>> Catch all the build-up to the 2019 NAB AFL Draft in our Draft Countdown Live. Cal Twomey, Riley Beveridge and Mitch Cleary will interview coaches, recruiters and prospective draftees over two massive days from 2pm AEDT on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27.