“I CAN'T believe that we’re at Round 1 and neither can my teammates.”

It’s been a whirlwind pre-season for reigning NAB AFL Women's Rising Star Mimi Hill and she can’t wait to see what the Game Changers can produce come season seven.

With Carlton's season opener against Collingwood now just days away, the countdown is on until the lights turn back on at IKON Park.

“It’s all becoming a little bit more real,” Hill told the Credit to the Girls podcast.

“It’s time for footy – it’s footy season at the moment so it makes you a little bit more excited because we’re in the thick of it, with finals only a week away for the men’s competition.”

In a new-look midfield, Hill is relishing in the growth of her teammates.

“Abbie McKay has had a huge pre-season – I love playing with her because she’s a tackling machine.

“Maddy Guerin struggled to keep her spot in the team last season but once she was in, she was on fire so I’m excited to see what she can do.

“There are a few young ones, obviously Keeley Sherar – we call her ‘Hot Wheels’ because she’s so quick. Brea Moody and Jess Good provide some elite taps to us so we can’t complain about that.

“It’s going to be different: there are a lot of faces going through, so it should be good.”

Hill will look to stand up amongst those fresh faces, having recently been elevated into the leadership group as part of a trio of emerging leaders alongside Lucy McEvoy and Breann Moody.

“I think 'Luce', 'Moods' and I are going to learn a lot," she said.

“The Club gives us great opportunities, so they’re going to get someone in to help us with our leadership which is really exciting. It's something I want to get into more and with a young team, it’s really important.”

Although taking on added responsibility, Hill hasn’t given too much thought to the added attention she may receive coming off the back of being awarded last season’s Rising Star.

“I’m not used to having too many expectations so it is a little bit daunting,” she said.

“I think you just have to go out there and know that you’re not alone. I’ll just take it in my stride and try and be better for it.”

While plenty has been made of Hill's comeback from an ACL injury midway through season six, she's eager to look forward and string together a consistent season seven campaign while playing a key role in shaping the Game Changers’ season.

“We just want to play a good brand and have everyone on the same page – hopefully the results come with that.”