Collingwood draftee Charlie West is inching closer and closer to an AFL debut after slotting four goals in the club's VFL win over the Northern Bullants.
West was in line to feature in the club's Thursday clash against Fremantle at Optus Stadium, with key forwards Brody Mihocek (abdomen) and Daniel McStay (knee) unavailable for selection.
The youngster, however, was ruled out of the Dockers contest after Pies coach Craig McRae revealed he had been dealing with a minor ankle injury, and opted not to risk him.
West returned to the reserves side on Saturday at Genis Steel Oval, slotting four majors, demanding an AFL opportunity. His latest effort took his season tally to 15 goals from five matches, kicking multiple goals in each game this year.
A watch will be on Mihocek for the Round 10 clash against Adelaide at the MCG, with West in waiting.
Fellow draftee Will Hayes also hit the scoreboard, slotting two goals from 15 possessions in the one-sided affair.
Collingwood fans will also rejoice in the sight of veteran midfielder Tom Mitchell, who returned to the football field for the first time since Anzac Day last year.
Mitchell has suffered multiple injuries in the past 12 months, but has seemingly put them in the rearview mirror, as he featured in the VFL.
The 2018 Brownlow medallist gathered 10 disposals, six clearances and four tackles in a half of footy.
Emerging youngsters Wil Parker (28 touches and 13 marks), Harry DeMattia (26 possessions and six clearances), and Jakob Ryan (20 disposals and four marks) were impressive.
AFL clubs will also be on the lookout for Mid-Season Draft fancy Riley Mason, who joined West with four goals for the Pies.
Mason is deemed by many to be in the sights of recruiters, making leaps and bounds from his days in the Seymour and Goulburn Valley League.
He has kicked 17 goals from six matches, and Saturday's performance was the third time he's slotted four or more majors in one game.
