The resilient journey of an AFL premiership specialist
In short: After being overlooked in two separate drafts and delisted by his first club, Mark Hutchings proved that persistence pays off. From the WAFL to the pinnacle of Australian rules football, his career is a masterclass in finding a vital role through grit and defensive discipline.
Mark Hutchings' path to the West Coast Eagles was anything but linear. After a standout junior career in Western Australia, where he captained the 2009 National Under-18 Championship-winning side, he faced significant professional setbacks. Following the 2009 National Draft, he was picked by St Kilda in the 2010 Rookie Draft, but he was removed from their list after just one season without ever playing a senior match.
He returned to the WAFL to rebuild his reputation with West Perth. His 2012 season was particularly remarkable; he earned the Breckler Medal as West Perth's best and fairest and finished second in the Sandover Medal with 51 votes—the highest tally ever recorded by a West Perth player. This resurgence led to his selection by the West Coast Eagles with the 60th pick in the 2012 National Draft.
In the AFL, Hutchings transitioned from a high-disposal midfielder to one of the league's most effective 'taggers.' His defensive prowess was most evident during the 2018 Grand Final, where he famously restricted Steele Sidebottom to just 14 disposals, a massive drop from Sidebottom's 41-disposal performance in the preliminary final the previous week. This defensive effort helped secure a five-point premiership victory for West Coast.
Beyond his defensive specialist role, Hutchings' career was marked by high-intensity performances, including a club-record 16 tackles in a single game against Fremantle. Since retiring from professional football, he has transitioned into a career in real estate.
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