Josh Green might have played 34 games in three seasons with the Brisbane Lions, but this Saturday looms as the Clarence product’s first senior AFL match back in his home state of Tasmania.

Although most would consider Green as a ‘lock’ for the Lions’ Round One side to face Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium, the 21-year-old will have to wait until the team is officially announced on Thursday to learn of his fate.

“It would be a huge honour to go down and play in my home state in front of family and friends,” Green told local Tasmanian paper The Examiner.

“Also, to play Round 1 against the Hawks, who I supported as a kid would be a great honour, so I will be hoping that Leppa picks me.

“I played (at Aurora Stadium) a bit as a Tassie Mariner and it was a really good ground then, and hopefully still is.”

A strong pre-season has Green firmly in line for a position across half-forward, although a greater fitness base could see him pinch-hit in the midfield at times in 2014.

“I'm fairly happy (with my preseason) as I've set some running PBs, which is a good start as I'm trying to push into that midfield role, and in the games I've been fairly consistent in that small forward role,” Green said.

“As a junior I was a midfielder, so that's what they drafted me as. At the moment, they are just grooming me towards that, giving me five or 10 minutes each quarter to give me some experience in there, which has been really handy.

“At the same time, I do really enjoy playing that small forward role and kicking goals, but it is just giving me a taste of it and when some of the older guys get to the end of their careers over the next couple of years, I want to get to that point where I can run out four quarters in the middle.”

Green has already experienced Hawthorn's dominance first-hand this pre-season, as part of the Lions’ side that was humbled by the reigning premiers to the tune of 22 goals in a practice match last month.

“We took a lot away from that game, especially how well they use the footy and how everyone plays their role,” he said.

“It will be a tough game, but we believe our game plan can hold up against the best.

“So we'll have to go down there and try to implement it properly, we have the confidence we can push them and hopefully beat them.

“If our pressure is at A-grade standard, we can force them to turn it over and use our foot skills, which we have been working on a lot.”