In any form of sport, 100 games is certainly a fantastic achievement. And that’s exactly what Jack Hutchins will be achieving this Sunday at 1pm.

Hutchins, more affectionately known to the playing group and fans as ‘Hutch’, started like any other kid, kicking the footy with his mates at his local football club, the Mansfield Eagles.

Before long and realising his dream of becoming an AFL footballer, at the end of year 9 Hutchins moved to Hailbury College, where he played football for the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.

Hutchins was a talented 17-year-old footballer and was an early access selection for Gold Coast in 2010, playing 62 games at the Suns (19 AFL, 43 NEAFL). It was then back in 2015 that he made his way to the Casey Scorpions.

Melbourne Media spoke with Hutchins about his journey in the VFL.

“At the time I was trying to reignite a career and seeing if I could get another opportunity in the AFL,” he said.

“At the Scorps, Ben Mathews was in the system at Melbourne, and I knew him from his time up at the Suns. He spoke with me on what they were trying to do with Melbourne/Casey and the alignment.

“I met the newly appointed coach Justin Plapp and it just felt like the right fit for me and it flowed through from there. I’ve been able to stay seven years now and have loved every bit of it.”

Without holding up the premiership cup, it has been a successful time at the Demons for Hutchins, playing finals every year besides 2019, which has certainly stuck with him.

I wish I could tell you the flags in 2016 and 2018 were some of my best memories.

“Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the win in those grand finals, however those three years we had some really awesome finals wins, as the club hadn’t won any finals for a few years.  

“It was really good to be a part of that and to get back to a winning culture was really awesome and I was fortunate enough to captain the club for three years (2016-2018). 

“Being able to play with the different players through the Melbourne alignment and Casey VFL, it was just great to be playing footy with some pretty awesome players and I consider myself lucky to be coached by the likes of Justin Plapp, Jade Rawlings, Sam Radford and now Mark Corrigan.”

Hutchins has played various roles in his time as a footballer, though finds some comfort in the backline.

“The majority of my playing career has been down back,” he said.

“There were quite a few changeups when I was at the Suns from the backline to the forward line and even the wing, but at Casey, it’s mainly been down back.” 

“I had a time as a forward in 2019, which was really good, and I really enjoyed that. 

“In VFL though, you have to be available to play in the position that best suits the team. And at the moment our forward line is pretty packed and strong, so I’m happy to play a role down back.”

The Demons find themselves in red hot form with a 4-0 start to the season, showing some similarities to the 2016 season (4-1 going into round six). Hutchins is not looking too far ahead though and just enjoying the current environment.

“It’s a great feel at the moment, we probably had the start that every team wants with 4-0,” he said. 

“With Melbourne’s list being healthy, everyone is enjoying their football and it’s a really good vibe at the moment knowing it’s a great start - it’s also a very long year. 

We’ve just got to keep riding the wave and keep making the most of the opportunities.

“There will be challenges along the way, however, the group is really strong and we have a really good connection with each other, at both Casey and Melbourne, so the sky is the limit for us.”

In what has been a stellar VFL career for Hutchins, the Dees can only hope that he can celebrate his 100th game with a win and a 5-0 start to the season.