TOM McDonald says it’s a good feeling having much of the footy public believing that it can overcome the Hawks on Friday night, but the key forward is fully aware his team has a major job to do if it’s to win the first semi-final at the MCG.

Speaking a few hours before the game, McDonald said he was confident his team could win its second final in a row.

“I’m getting pretty excited now. It’s been a low-key day, but as soon as you drive into the stadium underneath [the MCG], the feeling starts to build a bit. We’ll see how it is in the game, but the feeling now is a similar feeling to last week,” he told Melbourne Media.

“A start like last week would be awesome – five goals to nil would be awesome in the first quarter – but whether that happens or not, remains to be seen.

“But I think if we play in that manner – even if the scoreboard doesn’t quite reflect it as strongly, if we play with that intensity and that style – I think we’ll be in pretty good stead.

The key forward said he would continue to play his role with a clear mindset.

“I think my role is pretty simple – go jump at the footy and create a contest and let the rest happen from there,” he said.

“If I bring the ball to ground or mark it – I’m doing my job. Of course, I can try and do other things as well, but that’s the core of my game.

“[If I can] give an option for my teammates and launch the footy in the air and don’t get beaten – that’s my role and hopefully I do it pretty well.”