The Highlanders will round off their season tonight against the Force in Perth, in a match which will have no impact on the play-off picture.
Though motivation may appear to not be high from the outside looking in, Donnelly insists the side still has plenty to play for and can secure a win at Subiaco Oval.
"If we play as a team and put it all together we can get a victory. We just need to go back to the way we played against the Bulls," Donnelly said.
"We just need to put a bit more consistency into our game and not make as many mistakes. The passes are just not quite going to hand."
Donnelly will need a big game tonight, going up against seasoned Australian international lock Nathan Sharpe, who also captains the home team.
Donnelly, who will play his 48th game for the Highlanders tonight after debuting against the Chiefs in 2004, said he was a bit like the team, in that he needed to bring more consistency into his game.
"That is a big one for me. Just to not fade in and out of games so much. Not having little spells during the game and working at my game all the time."
He was happy with his line-out work so far this season, but was not talking up any chances of making the All Blacks.
With All Black locks Anthony Boric and Ali Williams under injury clouds for the international season, and Ross Filipo overseas, the national locking ranks are thin.
But Donnelly said any talk of making the next step up was out of his control.
"To be honest that is the last thing on my mind. I've just go to play well for the Highlanders.
"I'd love to be there. What rugby player in New Zealand wouldn't?"
The Highlanders will have it tough against the Force tonight, but do have some things in their favour.
The Force was cruelly knocked out of the play-off picture last week against the Stormers, courtesy of a controversial try, and may struggle for motivation after having to endure a week of knowing its season is over.
A lot has been made of seeing off stars such as first five-eighth Matt Giteau, fullback Drew Mitchell and hooker Tai McIsaac in style, but the team needs to concentrate on playing the game first, rather than thinking of farewell speeches.
It will be winger Scott Staniforth's 100th game of Super rugby while McIsaac, who like Staniforth is heading to Japan, will play his 52nd straight game for the Force.
Subiaco Oval has not been a fortress for John Mitchell and his men, and they will be keen to bid farewell to it and head for Members Equity Stadium.
In their six games this year at the venue, they have just a 50% win record with both New Zealand visitors - the Hurricanes and Blues - recording victories this season.
The southern franchise will be hoping to make it a hat trick tonight.
So the Highlanders can win, and for the sake of their campaign, need to.
Last year the season ended on a high, with a convincing victory over a Crusaders outfit which had nothing to play for.
Coach Glenn Moore said earlier this week the team still had a lot to play for and wanted to end the season on a win.
The side simply has to cut out costly mistakes which is blighting its game, and put some phases together.
It can not do any better than 10th, where it currently lies, but can slip as low as 12th if the Lions and Stormers grab some points.
The Highlanders finished 11th last year.
