Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell flirted with the idea of naming the Mid-Season Draft addition Jasper Scaife in his extended squad for Sunday's trip to Perth, with the Western Australian continuing to impress his new coach and teammates.
Scaife, 19, joined the Hawks from West Perth as the fifth overall selection at last month's intake after a stellar opening to his 2024 season in the WAFL with the Falcons.
The Quinns District product was rated for his sharp shooting in front of goal and aerial prowess, with the 196cm forward joining Mitchell's emerging key position stocks.
Scaife made his VFL debut for Box Hill prior to the club's Round 15 bye, booting three goals from 14 disposals and seven marks to immediately have his name in consideration for a potential AFL debut in the back-end of this season.
However, a recent procedure on his jaw and the Hawks' planned development path for the teenager currently has him on the periphery for a call-up.
Speaking to media on Friday, Mitchell said having Scaife as part of his travelling squad back to his home state would've "made for good reading", but the need for further minutes at the state league level remains a preference.
"There's a part of me that would love him to come experience [matchday] and be in WA, but I really want him to play footy. If he came over with us he wouldn't be able to play," the Hawks coach said.
"He actually had a procedure on his jaw during the break, so he's probably not quite ready for AFL footy just yet.
"I couldn't be more pleased with what he's done in his first month with the club. His training, work ethic, connection with the players, hs relationship building... and he's kicked a couple of torps which have put some of the other boys to shame on the training track.
"I'm pretty excited about where he's at at the moment. He's not quite ready. I know the Perth story would've made for good reading, but he's not quite ready for that just yet."
Scaife's second Box Hill appearance places him in line to pair with spearhead Mitch Lewis again this weekend against Port Melbourne.
Lewis, who is yet to return to Mitchell's side due to a nagging hamstring injury that has hampered him since Easter Monday, booted 1.1 from eight disposals and four marks on limited minutes against the Tigers in Round 12.
Box Hill host the Borough at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday afternoon, while the Hawks head to Optus Stadium for a clash with West Coast on Sunday to conclude Round 16.