Mark Hutchings is on the verge of making his AFL debut for West Coast. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow
IF Mark Hutchings is named for his AFL debut this weekend, he'll be trying to keep his first game as simple as possible.
Simple is how Hutchings likes to go about his footy. After all, it is what helped him get drafted to West Coast.
The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for West Perth in the WAFL over the first seven rounds and his name continues to be thrown up by Eagles coaches as a possible inclusion each week.
Hutchings was an emergency for last Saturday's game against Port Adelaide where the Eagles surrendered a 41-point lead to ultimately lose by five points.
Eagles coach John Worsfold is likely to ring the changes following that embarrassing defeat, potentially opening the door for Hutchings to play against the Western Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
If selected, Hutchings has promised to take the same approach into his first AFL game as the one that saw him poll an astonishing 51 Sandover Medal votes in last year's count, only to finish second behind Port Adelaide recruit Kane Mitchell (58).
"You try not to think about it too much, you just do what you do and that's play footy," Hutchings said.
"You let the coaches make all the hard decisions, that's what they're getting paid to do.
"What you're getting paid to do is play footy. It's pretty simple.
"I just try to keep it as simple as I can and it seems to take all the pressure off."
Mark Hutchings never gave up hope of playing AFL. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow
Hutchings was rookie-listed by St Kilda at 18, but lasted only one year at the Saints before returning to his family and friends in the west.
The East Perth product switched to WAFL rivals West Perth in early 2011 and has worked hard over the past two seasons to earn another shot at the elite level.
Being on the cusp of an AFL debut is not something Hutchings was contemplating this time last year.
"I didn't have any grand plans of playing for the Eagles or anything like that," he said.
"The two years since coming back from Melbourne have been hard work. You learn a lot about how to play football and a lot about yourself.
"I definitely feel like I've earned (this second chance) and now you feel like you owe it to yourself to make the most of this opportunity because you've worked so hard.
"The past couple of months have been whirlwind but great. I'm really enjoying it."
Hutchings admitted he feared his AFL dream was over after being delisted by St Kilda, but he stayed true to himself and never gave up hope.
Mark Hutchings in action for West Perth this season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow
Inspired by the likes of other mature-aged players such as Fremantle's Michael Barlow and Geelong's James Podsiadly, Hutchings said he was now better equipped to handle the pressures of being an AFL footballer.
"Obviously the last few years there's been a few mature-age draftees around 23 or 24, and I'm only 21," he said.
"I knew there was still a few more years for my window of opportunity, so I wasn't too hung up on this year being the year.
"The coaches have been happy with how I'm going and I'm happy that I'm sort of edging closer to that first game.
"The coaches have said, 'Just keep going at it, just be patient, be ready, make sure you're playing well and the time will come'."
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