Explosive, highly skilled and lightning quick on the field, it’s fair to say new recruit Jarman Impey has Hawks fans excited.

And they’re certainly not alone; speaking to SEN on Tuesday, Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson’s excitement was evident as he discussed the untapped potential in his newest soldier.

“Because he’s sort of bowed to seniority too much, that’s the reason why he’s held back to what many would classify as a B or C grade player at the present time.” Clarkson said. 

“But in my view, if he gets that exposure and confidence in myself and belief that he can impact in the manner that we’d like, then he can become an A grade player for us.”

It’s not often you hear such praise from your senior coach, and the words certainly seemed to humble the young Hawk.

“What a man he is,” Impey told SEN. 

“All I can say is try to do my best… but obviously it’s great for him to see that in me.” 

Impey crossed to Waverley from Alberton during the 2017 period, and slotted into the Hawks’ line up seamlessly across the club's pre-season campaign. Aside from a minor altercation with Carlton's Jed Lamb that saw him fined by the MRP, Impey's JLT series was impressive as he booted three goals and averaged 16.5 disposals across his two outings.

“I’ve been loving my time at the Hawthorn Football Club, it’s been a great summer,” he said. 

“The boys and the coaching staff are tremdendous and I believe that I’ve fitted in well.”

Read: How Clarkson stays afloat in the ever-changing football landscape

While his time at Port Adelaide was divided between the forward and backline, fans could see Impey add another string to his bow in 2018, with the 22-year-old looking to rotate through the midfield. 

“I see myself fitting in best as a half forward and pinch hitting on the ball, I’d love to being doing that.

“On the weekend I had a bit of a taste of that, so hopefully I can continue that throughout the season.