AARON Hall is arguably the hottest player in the AFL right now, and the scary thing is, he's barely scratched the surface of his potential.
The 25-year-old Gold Coast midfielder is averaging 36 disposals a game through the first three rounds and is a major reason behind the Suns' unbeaten start.
He was forced into the engine room, coming into the midfield during the back half of 2015 as the Suns battled to overcome a crippling injury toll.
Prior to then, Hall had played 50-plus games as a speedy half-forward.
He flourished once put in the centre square.
The Tasmanian finished last season strongly, averaging 26 touches over the final seven rounds, and was guaranteed a midfield start by coach Rodney Eade once the injured big guns like Dion Prestia and Gary Ablett returned this season.
Hall has not let his coach down.
His speed from stoppages gives Gold Coast another attacking dimension, while his ball use and decision-making is always improving.
Hall told AFL.com.au there were plenty of things he still needed to work on.
"'Rocket' is coaching me really hard, and that's what I like," Hall said.
"I'm not the type of guy that will get complacent anyway.
"I like to train hard and get the best out of my body, but I've only played in the midfield at AFL level for 14 games.
"There's a lot of improvement in terms of the contested side of my game, first possession, and getting some more clearances.
"I'm excited about that and I'm excited to learn and implement those things into my game."
Hall is close with Suns skipper Gary Ablett and spent much of the pre-season refining his midfield craft.
Hall kicks back-to-back goals to see the Suns within 14 points of the Crows #NABChallenge https://t.co/883J94UPFP
— AFL (@AFL) March 11, 2016
It wasn't that long ago that Hall was at his lowest as a player, battling to overcome a groin reconstruction at the end of 2014.
"I did come back too early," he said.
"I couldn't withstand the physical pressure of the AFL game. If I took one knock I was in a bit of strife.
"I took a few weeks away from the club.
"Being in rehab, mentally, it does drain you.
"That ended up paying dividends. I came back after that break refreshed mentally and physically, and I was able to finish off the year quite well."
And with a new three-year deal in his back pocket, Hall has started this season in a blaze, capped by round three's career-high 40 disposals against Carlton.
He said aside from being fit, there was one major reason behind his strong play.
"I put a lot of work in during the week, not just in my physical preparation but my mental wellbeing as well.
"I like to make sure I'm quite free, I've got no added pressure on myself. I'm really happy off the field.
"I've never really felt like this before. I just can't wait to get out there every weekend and play."