Hutchings was in sparkling form over the pre-season, averaging 25 disposals, five marks and seven tackles per game.
But injury struck at the worst possible time for the emerging midfielder, and he has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium.
Hutchings was positive despite the setback, and was confident he could return to the field soon.
“Pretty disappointed, considering the time of year, it’s been a long pre-season,” he said.
“Now that we’re just starting to get into games, and obviously it’s round one this week, it was disappointing, but I guess no injury is timely.
“I’m not the type of person who likes to watch football, I’d rather be out there playing and training.
“It’s been disappointing, but you’ve just got to move on.”
Hutchings has been on a rehabilitation program over the last week and will be eased into full training next week.
HBF HEALTH MEDICAL UPDATE: Click here to watch a full wrap of the club’s injury list from Senior Physiotherapist Paul Tucker.
The nine-game AFL player says the form he’d shown in the NAB Challenge has shown him he’s good enough to force his way back into the line-up.
“I’d taken a lot of confidence from my performances in the NAB games, and from the pre-season,” the 22 year-old said.
“I don’t think I was by any means a guarantee to be in the round one team, but I was really excited about the season coming up and just keen to play some games.
“To not to be able to do that, whether it’s in the WAFL or in the AFL is the most disappointing bit.
“Main goal at the moment is to get my body right.
“If I can keep my body right and stay on the park, then I’m confident I can play good enough footy to get into the Eagles team and hold my spot.
“Other than that, just give me all each week, whether that’s in the WAFL or the AFL team that’s what I’ll be doing.
“But at this stage just get my body right, that’s the main thing.”
