CASEY Demons captain Jack Hutchins will forever be entrenched in AFL history.
The 26-year-old has returned to Casey for a fourth season in 2018, but it was at the Gold Coast Suns where he and his trademark dreadlocks became known. Hutchins was a member of the Suns in their inaugural AFL season, debuting in the club’s first victory – round five, 2011.
“It was pretty amazing looking back on it now,” Hutchins told Melbourne Media.
“It was pretty surreal when it first happened. It all went really quickly and the whole hype of the thing, being a new club and the first win – it was just ‘wow that was unbelievable’, and now it’s really special to hold that, and looking back it was a really special time.”
Hutchins played 19 AFL games for the Suns between 2011-14, and was on the winning side on eight occasions – a significant achievement considering the tough, early days for the newly formed club. While Hutchins would have loved to have continued a professional football career, he cherishes the time he spent at the Suns.
“I had a great experience up on the Coast for five years, it was a great place to live. From a football perspective, it didn’t work out the way I had hoped, but the whole experience of being on an AFL list was certainly something I really enjoyed and thrived for, so it was great.”
Hutchins climbs above teammates to celebrate the Suns' inaugural win in 2011
After departing the AFL, Hutchins found his way to the Casey Demons.
Ben Matthews, Melbourne’s assistant coach, convinced Hutchins to give the Demons a chance and as it turned out, accepting the offer has proven to be successful for both parties.
“I was really impressed with the movement they were looking to progress into, and the one club culture, which I think now you’re starting to see with both Melbourne and Casey. That’s what drove me here in the first place and I haven’t looked back since,” Hutchins said.
Hutchins has been a fine addition to the club, bringing a wealth of experience, and is now captaining the team for a third consecutive season.
Jade Rawlings, coach of the Casey Demons, has been nothing but impressed by Hutchins’ leadership, on and off the field, since his first game at the club in 2015.
“After watching him go about his business over the last three years from afar, I could see how players definitely followed him, his behaviours and his actions,” Rawlings told Melbourne Media.
“He really cares for his teammates … and you can see his genuine care for the club.”
Unfortunately, Hutchins is still recovering from off-season wrist surgery and couldn’t take the field in round one, but Rawlings said his injury was a blessing in disguise, as it showed his true leadership colours.
“I thought it may have put him under the pump to be captain because he wasn’t able to lead on the track … but I think it’s a greater testament to him that he’s been voted in as captain when he hasn’t been able to play,” Rawlings said.
Captaincy wasn’t always Hutchins’ primary focus – it was merely a role he fell into, and he has blossomed since.
“I’m not sure if I had ambitions to [captain], it was just a bit of a natural progression for me,” Hutchins said.
“I really enjoyed helping others and being around that environment … and it’s something I still continue to develop now.”
His friendly, welcoming nature doesn’t go unnoticed.
Teammate Angus Scott couldn’t speak high enough of his skipper.
“Hutchy is a really good leader. He gets along well with all the players, which is the main thing,” Scott said.
“He’s got the balance right of knowing when it’s time to be serious and to pull people into line on the ground … and he’s just a really good bloke.”
But it’s Hutchins’ ability to go above and beyond his role at the club, which has truly impacted others’ lives.
“He’s always welcoming, always has people at his house and gets involved in club activities. He’s a ripper,” Scott said.
Hutchins’ desire to assist others shone through over summer when he participated in the Oxfam Trailwalker to raise money for those living in poverty.
“A few work colleagues got me interested in it and we all signed up for it and have raised a bit of money,” Hutchins said.
“It was fantastic, we ended up raising $11,000.”
Despite the physical and mental challenges of the trip, Hutchins fought through the pain to help make a difference, reflecting the qualities he possesses on the football field.
“I’m not sure I’d want to do it again … the long walk and long trek, but it was definitely rewarding being able to raise that much money for a really good cause.”
Hutchins claimed the taxing hike pushed his athletic capabilities, however, his sporting craft shouldn’t be undermined. It all began as a youngster, skiing down the slopes of Mount Buller. Growing up in Mansfield, skiing was synonymous with Hutchins’ childhood.
“I’ve been skiing since I was four, so it’s a big passion of mine,” Hutchins said.
And in the off-season, he had the opportunity to venture overseas to India and ski on foreign territory for a second time in his life.
“It was an unbelievable experience … the skiing is world class. It was a fantastic trip,” Hutchins said.
Although the skills of skiing aren’t necessarily transferable to the football field, Hutchins has shown an ability to accomplish great results at whatever he sets out to achieve.
Mount Buller and Casey Fields may seem worlds apart, but Hutchins has found his path, and led by example every step of the way.
