Collingwood draftee Charlie West could easily be mistaken as a third or fourth-year player, given his size, strength and power.
The Pick 50 in the 2024 AFL Draft appeared to be a steal for the Pies, who are in desperate need to bolster their key forward stocks, as Brody Mihocek (31 years old), Tim Membrey (30) and Daniel McStay (29) all near the twilight of their careers.
West's physical attributes were on display during the National Combine, testing through the roof in the 20m sprint (2.957 seconds - sixth place) and vertical jump (70cm - ninth place).
The South Australian also got a taste of the bigger bodies when he featured for SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens, showcasing his contested marking, speed and aggression.
Fronting the media on Thursday, West opened up on what he can provide the Pies long term, hinting at a star of the competition as a player he models his game on.
"I'm big (for my age), but I still need to work on my aerobic (fitness) and get stronger," West said.
"I think my power, strength and aerial (ability) are the three strengths I base my game on.
"Like (Charlie) Curnow – looking up to him, he's just so strong, agile, and his marking is just brilliant."
Entering the AIA Centre as a raw and inexperienced player, West has found himself leaning towards the key defenders to help him improve.
An early litmus test has been when the key forward has gone up against the uncompromising Brayden Maynard.
"(Working with) a medium defender like (Brayden) Maynard … going against him, he's a very solid boy, so you can't move him, I have to move around him," West added.
Fellow draftee Joel Cochran has yet to hit full training due to a minor fracture in his thumb.
Cochran reassured Pies supporters that it won't be long until the Sydney Academy product will re-join the main group, eyeing the new year as a return date.