Collingwood VFL forward Jack Hutchinson has emerged as a potential top selection in this year’s Mid-Season Draft.
The 22-year-old only made his VFL debut last week for the Magpies but has already caught the eyes of recruiters according to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
Hailing from the Wonthaggi Power in the Gippsland League, Hutchinson is a 190cm forward that launches at packs.
“I told you at this time last year that Ryan Maric was firming as the number one pick (in the Mid-Season Draft),” Twomey told SEN Breakfast.
“This year (it looks like) Jack Hutchinson. I went out to Moorabbin on Friday night to watch the VFL, nearly every club was there, I think, doing the same thing as me, watching Jack Hutchinson.
“He's playing for Collingwood's VFL side. He's 22 (years old) and a 190-centimetre forward who launches at contests with real power.
“He was coached by former Magpie Jarryd Blair at Wonthaggi last year. He’s a country product, he's the buzz player at the moment in terms of the Mid-Season Draft.
“Currently there's nine clubs with vacancies for the Mid-Season which will come up quicker than we think. It’s only about eight weeks away.”
Hutchinson only pursued a path in state league footy after being coached by Blair at the country level but immediately made a big impact in a practice game against Port Melbourne.
In his maiden VFL game, the young forward showed some impressive signs with one goal, nine disposals, three marks and seven tackles in the win over Sandringham.
“He’s just been playing country footy. I think through the encouragement of his coach Jarryd Blair that he's been pushed up to the Collingwood VFL program,” Twomey said.
“It was a couple of weeks ago that he caught the eye of recruiters, he played a really good practice game against Port Melbourne.
“Last week (against Sandringham) he was alright, he kicked a goal from about 10 touches.
“But there's enough to be excited about.”
The 2024 Mid-Season Draft will take place in May. Hutchinson and other state-league prospects will have another month and a half of footy to impress AFL recruiters.
