They're two rare breeds - 16-year-old boys who can see when they need a kick up the backside, and top AFL draft picks.
Warrnambool midfielder Hugh McCluggage joined the first group two years ago and that should mean he becomes part of the second this Thursday.
As recently as last month's draft combine, McCluggage was the popular choice to be taken by Essendon with the No.1 pick in the national draft.
Most pundits now expect the Bombers will take Andrew McGrath, but it will be a major surprise if McCluggage is not among the first few selections.
McCluggage put himself in the top tier of draft talent with an outstanding season for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup and Vic Country at the under-18 Australian championships.
He won the TAC Cup Morrish Medal, joining an alumni that features Dyson Heppell and Matthew Kreuzer, and earned All-Australian selection.
Asked what was behind this year's standout form, the 18-year-old pointed to two years ago.
"It probably started when I was 16, after the development squad with the Rebels," he said.
"I was a bit disappointed with my performance and I had to decide whether I was going to really pull my finger out and have a crack, see where I could get."
Within a year, McCluggage was in the AFL Academy and had reaped the benefits of moving to a boarding school in Ballarat.
This year, McCluggage has also come out of his shell, helping him handle the extra attention that comes with being a likely top draft pick.
Rebels development coach Phil Partington has said they call McCluggage the observer because of his quiet demeanour.
But the move to Ballarat Clarendon College also meant he had some growing up to do.
"Especially when I first came in, it took me a bit to find my feet ... it was definitely difficult at the start," he said.
"It's always hard, moving to a new environment.
"It's gotten a lot easier, now I've had that experience at the academy.
"Moving away from home, it teaches you a lot about your character.
"You have to be able to fit in ... it's going to hold me in good stead."
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