Melbourne are growing in confidence that uncapped key forward Matthew Jefferson is going to be ready an AFL debut in 2025 off the back of "a pretty big summer" for the former first-round pick.
Jefferson booted a goal and had further looks in the forward half for the Demons in Saturday's game at Arden Street against North Melbourne in what was his first dress rehearsal ahead of a third season in the red and blue.
The former Pick 15 selection is yet to feature in Simon Goodwin's side, instead tallying 37 games for Casey in the VFL since being recruited by the club.
Jefferson has kicked 52 goals at the lower level in his two seasons in the system, with a 12-game run late into his 2024 campaign earning him an impressive return of 27 goals.
The Demons saw the 195cm forward turn a corner in his development during that period, with Jefferson only strengthening his debut chances over summer with an impressive pre-season.
"Last year there was a real turning point for him midway through the year," Demons assistant Troy Chaplin said after Saturday's pre-season victory.
"He really worked hard on his contest work and started to see some results in the VFL. He's carried that through to an AFL (quality) game.
"He's had a pretty big summer and we think he's got a really good footy IQ, and his ability with his leading partners and ability to hit the scoreboard we know is there.
"With any young player, especially a key forward, it does take time. We're hoping 'Jeffo' gets exposed to some AFL footy this year. He played really well today, hit the scoreboard a couple of times and he's still got some growth in his game as well.
"For those guys, we don't want to rush, when they get there they're there to stay. He's getting himself into a position where we can say he's ready for AFL football."
Jefferson's emergence as a potential forward option for Melbourne's selection committee is set to cause "a bit of a headache at selection" for the Demons, with spearhead Jacob van Rooyen and Daniel Turner the incumbents in Goodwin's plans.
VFL recruit Aidan Johnson was joined by Tom Fullartin in the Demons' VFL hitout this weekend to keep their names in consideration, with Chaplin commenting on the situation at hand ahead of the new season.
"[Van Rooyen] played really well. He's been doing a lot of work on his forward craft," Chaplin said.
"We're trying to teach him to get separation and find some easy ball. We know what he's like in a contested situation but we're trying to get him some easier footy. We thought he did that really well today.
"'Jeffo' played really well and Daniel Turner popped up and kicked a couple, so to get a spread from those key forwards is a great result.
"It gives us a bit of a headache at selection."
Melbourne could make as many as eight changes for the club's upcoming pre-season match against Fremantle in Mandurah next weekend, with Christian Petracca, Jack Viney and Caleb Windsor in the mix to play.
SSP addition Jack Henderson has linked up with his new teammates for training but is an outside chance to get an early look in his new colours before being brought up to speed on team tactics and plans.
