Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear says he isn't "stressing" about failing to earn his spot in the senior side during the early stages of the new season as rivals begin to circle.
Dear played 26 games in his first two seasons, and was a revelation by playing in three finals clashes.
But an interrupted pre-season, and the return of a fully fit Mitch Lewis, has kept the 20-year-old in the VFL.
"If you look at how I started my career, I was extremely lucky and had a really good opportunity," Dear said on AFL 360.
"There are not many players who get that lucky or have that sort of opportunity.
"I'm not really stressing about it. I'm just doing my time, I'm still developing, still getting better, but I think it's a pretty good problem to have.
"It's not just me that is fighting for a spot, there's so many players that play alongside me at Box Hill that are AFL ready and AFL level but we've just got such a deep list that you've got to wait your turn and make most of the opportunity when it comes."
The lack of senior footy, coupled with the Hawthorn's suspected interest in Gold Coast free agent Ben King, will undoubtedly force a squeeze on Sam Mitchell's side.
Collingwood is in the market for a key forward, and could see Dear as gettable given his lack of senior opportunities.
The Hawks boast a line-up consisting of two genuine rucks in Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves, while Lewis plays alongside Mabior Chol and Jack Gunston.
Gunston, despite his incredible goal-kicking form, is nearing the end of his career, which will open a vacancy in the front half. But if that were to be filled by King, where would that leave Dear?
The Hawk father-son ensured, on Triple M, that those rumours weren't from he or his manager.
"No talks at all," he said.
Intrigue will build around Dear's future, who has yet to commit to an extension beyond 2026, as well as Lewis and Max Ramsden, with a contract decision to be made throughout the season.
