He is not even thinking about the leadership of the Otago team.
The experienced lock is just concentrating on his own game, and it appears to be paying dividends.
Donnelly (27) has had an impressive start to the Air New Zealand Cup, bagging a rare try in the win over North Harbour last week, and winning his fair share of line-out ball.
He will look to continue that good form tonight against a Manawatu team which is playing above itself.
Donnelly's form has obviously impressed those in higher places, with the tall lock called into an All Blacks one-day training camp last week.
Donnelly said he enjoyed the camp, although not everything learnt was on the field.
"They got a real towelling down but the things said to them will help them play better this week," Donnelly said.
"But it was enjoyable, going up there and being part of the mix."
Donnelly said he did not have a deep discussion with the coaches about his own game, as they had more pressing issues on their mind.
But with Bryn Evans having season-ending back surgery, Jeremy Thrush seemingly out of favour, Ali Williams gone for the season, and Anthony Boric making a slow recovery from a toe injury, Donnelly may be in the picture for the All Blacks end-of-year tour.
Not that Donnelly is losing sleep over his elevation to the next level.
"I used to think about it a bit about a year or so ago.
''But now I just try and concentrate on playing for Otago.
''It might happen but then again it might not happen."
Donnelly, who has played the most games for Otago in the current squad - with 55 caps - said he was not at the forefront of the leadership group within the side this year.
"There's guys like Setters [Steven Setephano], Alando [Soakai] and Jason Macdonald who can lead in the forwards.
''I've taken a bit of a backward step this year and concentrated on my own game."
Donnelly said he wanted to run with the ball more, and get round the paddock.
A trip to the Pacific Islands with the New Zealand Juniors in June and July had really re-energised him.
"It was great.
''We'd train hard and play hard but away from the games and practice we'd have a good time.
''The weather was nice and sunny, so that helped."
Donnelly said the match against Manawatu was about maintaining a high level of intensity.
"Tony Gilbert said this week after one match you can be a peacock and then the next week you can be a feather duster.
''And that is what it is about.
''You've got to be up for every game.
''They've had a couple of good results.
"We need to do the basics well, get the ball for our backs who can use the ball."
Donnelly, who is signed until the end of next year with Otago, said training had gone well this week, with the team simply focused on beating Manawatu.
This match is a crucial one for Otago.
If it wants to make any impact in the Air New Zealand Cup, it needs to win these sort of games.
On paper, the visiting side should have too much firepower for the Palmerston North-based side.
Otago will line up 10 Super 14 players, while Manawatu has just two.
But that will count for little as Manawatu's confidence will be up after an upset win over Southland last week.
Manawatu first five-eighth Aaron Cruden appears to be the key to the home side and Otago must lock him down and keep big No 8 Brent Thompson quiet if it wants to come away with a win.
The weather is expected to be fine for the match.
Manawatu v OtagoPalmerston North, tonight, 7.35pmTAB odds: Otago $1.65, Manawatu $2.15.
Referee: Vinny Munro (Canterbury)Otago: Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Andrew Parata, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Chris Noakes, Sean Romans, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai (captain), Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, James Kenny, Glenn Dickson, Aaron Bancroft.
Manawatu: Kurt Baker, Andre Taylor, Tevita Taufai, Johnny Leota, Casey Stone, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Brent Thompson, Josh Bradnock (captain), Hamish Gosling, Reece Robinson, Michael Fitzgerald, David Te Moana, Sean O'Connor, Talau Hala.
Reserves: Rob Foreman, Adrian Barone, James Goode, Doug Tietjens, Isaac Thompson, Aaron James, Lote Raikabula.
