Heading into the 2013 Premiership Season Jack Hutchins looked to have found his niche as a key defender for the Gold Coast SUNS, however chronic back soreness derailed what promised to be a breakthrough year for the robust utility. 

Playing nine of the Gold Coast SUNS first 12 Premiership matches, Hutchins quickly established himself as an important piece in Guy McKenna’s backline puzzle, with explosive speed and a willingness to take the game on at both ends of the ground.

Unfortunately the dreadlocked warrior was unable to build on his early season momentum, adding just one AFL Premiership match after the mid-season break as injuries and competition for spots kept him out of the top 22.

Hutchins is no stranger to injury or adversity since turning his back on a promising swimming career to pursue his AFL draft, with a sickening kidney injury prematurely ending his 2012 campaign and forcing the popular team member to work hard on his recovery at a time his team mates were enjoying a well earned rest. 

But with the playing list trimmed down from 42 to 40, and the playing group edging closer towards their goal of playing finals footy, Jack knows holding down a spot in the rapidly improving backline will be a far more difficult task in 2014.

In a recent SUNS TV player feature, Hutchins said it can sometimes be tough dealing with the highs and lows that come with being a professional AFL athlete.

 “In some weeks I’m playing up in the seniors and then some weeks I’m playing down in the reserves,” Hutchins said.

“It can be frustrating at times because you want to be in the seniors the whole time… but that’s part of life and football – you have to keep at it and stick with it.”

Even so, the 191cm backman is still considered an important part of the Gold Coast’s future successes, with his courage and thirst for the contested football strongly admired around the club.

With key defenders Rory Thompson, Seb Tape and Trent McKenzie all looking for strong pre-seasons in a bid to improve their development and output, expect Hutchins to leave no stone unturned when he returns for a fourth Premiership campaign in November. 

Determination though is a commodity Jack Hutchins certainly doesn’t lack and you can be  assured his name will be right in the mix when the coaching panel sit down to select their top 22 for the opening match of the 2014 campaign.