VFL: Jack Hutchins plays 100th match for Casey Demons

One of the league’s most admired players reached a milestone that is becoming increasing rare at state league level.

Jack Hutchins is carried from the ground at a sunny Casey Fields on Sunday.

Jack Hutchins did the heavy lifting in Round 5, carrying Majak Daw off the ground after his 100th game in the VFL.

On Sunday it was affable Hutchins’ turn to be hoisted on to shoulders.

Before appreciative supporters gathered in front of the changerooms, Casey Demons captain Mitch White and fellow stalwart James Munro carried the defender from the ground after his 100th VFL match.

And Hutchins could celebrate it with a victory over the Swans, 12.13 (85) to 6.9 (45), in still and sunny conditions at Casey Fields in east Cranbourne.

The Demons trailed by a point at the main break but pulled away in the second half to stay undefeated this season.

Munro was outstanding with two goals, 25 possessions and seven tackles, shading dashing Oskar Barker for the best-afield accolade.

Hutchins joined Casey in 2015 after a stint at Gold Coast Suns, where he played 19 AFL games from 2011-14.

Casey Demons celebrate their win over the Swans.

At the time of his signing then-Casey football manager Jack Henty predicted Hutchins would make his mark on and off the ground.

They were prescient words.

Hutchins is admired as a fair and dedicated footballer and exemplary clubman.

He captained Casey from 2016-2018 and won the best and fairest and was in the VFL team of the year in 2016. He also represented the VFL in 2017.

“The two blokes who lifted me off (White and Munro), I’ve been carrying them for a while so it’s only fair they return the favour,’’ Hutchins said with a laugh after the game.

He said he was proud to play 100 games in a competition where players come and go, and had been overwhelmed by the messages he’d received about it.

“Blew me away, the way everyone was reaching out,’’ Hutchins said.

He attributed his part-of-the-furniture standing at Casey to his desire to play the highest level of football he could. That and enjoyment.

“I’ve always loved the standard of footy and the fact that it’s always been enjoyable to play here at Casey. That’s a credit to the club and the alliance with Melbourne. It’s been fantastic the whole way through,’’ he said.

“I did want to get there (100 games). It ticks off life membership of the club, which is something I’ll enjoy later on. It wasn’t the ultimate factor but when I came back after Christmas and walked into the place for the first session, I still loved it.’’

To the observation that the weather was on his side for his milestone, Hutchins quipped: “We’re not at Casey are we, surely?’’

Casey assistant coach and former captain Evan Panozza played one season with Hutchins.

He said the right-footer was a “great competitor’’ and experienced leader who set a great example for his younger teammates.

“I think the best thing about him is his character and his nature and his personality,’’ he said.

“That’s a big part of footy clubs, having great people around, and he’s had a really big influence on the players and the club.’’

The Demons gave a debut to former St Kilda rookie Jack Bell, but unfortunately for the young ruckman he was reported for striking former Casey player Will Collis.