The Port Macquarie Magpies women's star came off the interchange bench for the Gold Coast Suns in their Women's Winter Series clash with Brisbane Lions on July 13.

McCormick admitted she enjoyed the challenge of playing in a professional environment which enabled her to learn more about her own game.

"I was definitely challenged; I wouldn't say I was comfortable, but I don't think I was too far out of my depth," she said.

The 20-year-old learned quickly what it's all about playing at a high level.

"When I came on and had my first ruck contest it took me by surprise because the Brisbane Lions ruckman is very good," she said.

But after the first quarter, McCormick settled into the game and grew in confidence.

"I'll have a bit more of a look at the replay to see how I went, but it was definitely a lot more challenging than the games we play on the North Coast," she said.

"It was a great experience."

It didn't take her long to realise she was playing at a different level - and that was even before a ball was kicked.

"Even something as simple as walking into the change rooms and being switched on, turning your phones off and putting them in a box," she said.

"It was an awesome learning curve to see how serious footy is taken up there.

"It was a bit intimidating walking onto the Gabba because it's not something that happens every day where you get to play on a huge field like the home of football in Queensland."

While McCormick didn't kick a goal, she took plenty of positives out of the match.

"It gave me the opportunity to see what I need to work on; a lot of things like your positioning around the ground and when there is a contest on," she said.

"Looking back, I wouldn't say I expect to go further this year.

"I think it might be something for the future, but what I did coming in was take an opportunity and see what happened.

"That's what I'm going to be doing going forward."

McCormick's stint with the Suns looks set to benefit Port Macquarie with the side shooting for top position in the AFL North Coast women's competition.

They are currently just two points behind Coffs Harbour.

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