Collingwood VFL forward and Mid-Season Draft prospect Jack Hutchinson has gained further praise ahead of a potential promotion to the AFL, with coach Josh Fraser stating that the key forward has "AFL attributes".
The Wonthaggi product has been a standout for the Magpies' reserves since joining the club, booting seven goals in four games to emerge as a potential Mid-Season Draft candidate.
Arguably Hutchinson's most impressive performance in the black and white came against Richmond's VFL unit during the pre-season, with the high-leaping attacker booting three goals in a promising showing at Punt Road.
The 22-year-old's contested marking abilities were again on show over the weekend during Sunday's loss to Coburg, with Hutchinson flying for a spectacular grab before converting his second goal of the day.
The performance against the Lions comes amid reported interest from AFL clubs in Hutchinson ahead of next month's Mid-Season Draft, with the aforementioned Fraser speaking on the "exciting" forward's "high upside" after the game.
"He's showing his talent. That mark today is an example of what he can do," Fraser told the club's website.
JACK HUTCHINSON SOARS 🚀🤯
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"He's probably a product, with the way we've moved the ball centre-forward at times, where it hasn't always been to their benefit.
"He's doing a lot right in terms of workrate and trying to give himself the best opportunity with the way we're trying to support him and other forwards with the way we're moving the ball.
"He's exciting. I think he's got huge upside. From the small sample we've seen... he's got AFL attributes, that's for sure."
Having played four games for Collingwood at the state league level this year, Hutchinson will be eligible for the Mid-Season Draft given the minimum three-game requirement.
North Melbourne currently hold Pick 1 for the May 29 draft and could be keen on bolstering their key forward stocks to support spearhead Nick Larkey. The Roos could open up two list spots for the mid-year intake given the long-term setbacks to Josh Goater and Callum Coleman-Jones.
Hawthorn, who currently hold Pick 2, are another potential suitor for Hutchinson given their potential desire to draft a forward.
The Mid-Season Draft is set to take place on Wednesday, May 29, with the draft order to be the reverse of the AFL ladder at the conclusion of Round 11.