Pick three of the AFL's 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Jack Hutchinson, is set to debut this Saturday in West Coast's home clash against North Melbourne, the announcement coming just a week after being picked up by the club.
The news adds to a growing trend of mid-season draft success stories, with Hawthorn star Jai Newcombe making his debut just nine days after selection and Bulldog Ryan Gardner doing the same in just six days back in 2019.
The reward is also not undeserved, Hutchinson dominated his first ever WAFL outing, booting five of his side's 10 goals in a two-point win over Perth on Sunday.
He will be yet another West Coast Rookie Draft pick to make an appearance quickly, Jai Culley and Ryan Maric also debuting soon after their mid-year selections in recent seasons.
The 22-year-old Wonthaggi-based prodigy stands 190cm and has made a name for himself as a high-flying forward presence and accurate goal-kicking, evident in his 5.1 scoreline on Sunday.
It has been an unconventional journey to the big time for Hutchinson, who seemingly did not recognise his own potential during the Gippsland competition.
He actually lived in Western-Australia for a year as a teenager and enjoys a surf down in coastal Victoria, like much of the AFL's young crop.
It was only after former Magpie turned Wonthaggi coach, Jarryd Blair, encouraged Hutchinson to test his luck at a higher level, that he earned a spot on Collingwood's VFL list.
In his brief stint with the Magpies, he averaged just over nine touches, three marks, and three tackles, but he more than held his own, displaying unique leaping ability and mobility.
He now steps into an AFL playing group and to Optus stadium this weekend to replace the excitement brought by suspended star Harley Reid, potentially playing alongside star forward Jake Waterman and premiership veteran Jack Darling.