When Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell saw young forward Calsher Dear in a Melbourne jumper on social media, it made him "uncomfortable".
Dear's uncertain future at the Hawks, which has been compounded by the expected arrival of Gold Coast free agent Ben King, has resulted in rival clubs contemplating a move for the father-son gun.
The Demons, along with Collingwood, St Kilda, Geelong and Carlton, have been linked to the 21-year-old as he weighs up a two-year offer from the brown and gold.
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"I saw him in a Melbourne jumper. That made me feel a bit uncomfortable, I must admit," Mitchell said on SEN.
"We get along well, Calsher. We've had good chats all through this process and understandably, contract-wise, it's taken a bit longer because he wanted to get into the side and show what he could do, and that hasn't come to fruition just yet.
"But there's contracts there and talks there, so still very hopeful (he stays). This is a tricky time of year for everyone, so understand who knows what will happen, but we've had very open communication about all these things.
"Box Hill have a bye this week unfortunately, but his form the last month has been exactly what we're after. So expect to see him."
The Hawks youngster has impressed in the reserves of late, kicking nine goals in his past five outings whilst averaging 12 disposals and five marks.
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Dear has fallen down the key forward pecking order at Hawthorn, and is facing more time in the VFL next year with King, Mitch Lewis, Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol vying for the slots inside 50.
Aidan Schubert debuted last week against North Melbourne, and was selected in the senior team ahead of Dear, but has made way for the returning Lewis for Friday's blockbuster against Brisbane.
The Hawks have locked away Gunston (2027), Lewis (2030) and Schubert (2029) to new deals this year.
And Dear won't be the only young forward to feel the front half squeeze, with Max Ramsden and Will McCabe without contracts for next year.
