Mark Hutchings Biography

Arguably the League's most effective tagger, Mark Hutchings has quietly gone about his business collecting big scalps for the Eagles since early 2018 and is starting to get some recognition for his efforts.

"It's always nice when people have nice things to say, but on the other hand you cop your fair share of honest feedback from the public, especially opposition fans," Hutchings said.

"I don't read into it too much, and I don’t completely ignore it. I just read it, see people's point-of-view and sometimes it narrows my focus even more because I know people are watching and I want to do the best I can. I want to do myself and the club proud."

Mark Hutchings signs a new deal with West Coast to remain at the club in 2019.

"Mark Hutchings played some key roles for us through the midfield this season, including in the Grand Final," West Coast list manager Brady Rawlings said.

"He is highly respected by his teammates and the wider club and it is terrific that he has activated a clause that ensured he would continue with the club in 2019."

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has leapt to the defence of Mark Hutchings after Western Bulldogs counterpart Luke Beveridge slammed the Eagles' physicality against Jason Johannisen as "cowardly".

Hutchings had a shutdown role on the star Bulldogs playmaker and restricted Johannisen to just 12 touches in a crucial Eagles win at Etihad Stadium.

"Hutchings ran off the bench without him looking. It's cowardly and we got a free kick from it," he said.

"But he got away with that and 'J' has to put up with that at the moment.

"We're not going to go and belt Hutchings because we are a disciplined side but some of that stuff is a bit concerning.

"A free kick sort of doesn't seem enough."

But Simpson went into bat for Hutchings, who has performed effective stopping roles for the club against other teams.

"It's a pretty brutal competition, isn't it? You do what you do within the rules to win the game and I don't think that went outside the rules," Simpson said.

"You find the line. That's where you push it to, and if you go over it you get reported or give away a free kick and then you keep going."

Mark Hutchings played a key role in the Eagles' win against Geelong, clamping down on Joel Selwood and limiting the in-form champion's influence to 19 touches.

"I needed to concentrate all night. I can't remember too much of the game, I was just focused on what he was doing," Hutchings said.

"(Tagging) definitely gives you a clear focus. Sometimes it goes against your natural instinct."

Mark Hutchings has played his 56-game career believing his position is under threat, but the tough West Coast midfielder feels that pressure intensifying ahead of the 2017 campaign.

"I go 100 per cent every game. I don't have the luxury to go any less but I also don't want to go any less because you don't want to get into bad habits choosing your contests," Hutchings said.

"I've felt it (increased pressure for spots), we've all felt it, but it's good for the group – it can only be good for the squad and the club.

"I've felt it every day of my AFL career, so it's been no different for me.

"What it comes down to is you can't rest on your performances from last year. You can't rest on your talent."

Mark Hutchings signs a new two-year deal with West Coast that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

Hutchings said he was starting to feel settled at AFL level despite having to play a number of different roles.

"Over the last couple of years I've added a few things to my game, added a few strings to my bow," Hutchings said.

"So it's good if you have the ability to play in different positions, play forward, play on an opposition mid or do my own thing. I've really embraced it and I feel like if I can keep improving on those things it will make me a better player.

"I've set the foundation now, but it's time for me to go to the next level, and take the next step and I'm excited about doing it."

Mark Hutchings has re-signed with West Coast for a further two years.

"I am very happy to be part of the club I supported all of my life for another two years," Hutchings said.

"The last couple of years, being part of the club, have been the best time of my life.

"The (run-with) role has been challenging, but it's something I have enjoyed, learning a bit more each time I play against some of the best players in the competition. It's good to test yourself against the best players."

Mark Hutchings has been ruled out of the Eagles' season opener with a back injury.

Mark Hutchings is making the most of his second AFL opportunity at the Eagles after being axed by St Kilda.

"As a mature-age draftee, you understand it's not easy to make it onto an AFL list," Hutchings said.

"You definitely realise how much work it's taken and you just want to make the most of it - leave no stone unturned and give it your best shot.

"Whereas if you're drafted at 18, you kind of think 'oh well, it was straight onto an AFL list and I'll be playing games next year'."

Mark Hutchings makes his AFL debut for West Coast at the Gabba with 15 disposals (13 kicks and 2 handballs), 4 marks, 7 tackles and 1 hitouts in a 26-point win over Brisbane.

Mark Hutchings is set to make his AFL debut at the Gabba on Saturday for the Eagles, three years after he was first drafted by St Kilda as a rookie.

"I just feel definitely better equipped this time around, just through my skills as a footballer, but as a person as well," Hutchings said.

"It's a tough gig. Especially when you're 18, no matter how well you feel and think you're going to do all right, there are always those challenges of being away from home, and just the life skills in general."

West Coast recruit Mark Hutchings has backed himself to slot straight into the club's dynamite midfield machine after starting his AFL career on St Kilda's rookie list in 2010.

"I'm just really eager to make the most of it this time around. I probably don't have a third chance, so I've got to get it right," Hutchings said.

"I definitely feel much stronger after two or three years just training and maturing into my body and as a footballer.

"I've been working hard for it since I was pretty young, so I'll try and make the most of the second chance and give it my best crack."