There is never a good time to receive an injury, but in terms of timing, the eve of the start to a new season can be horribly frustrating.

After five months of preparation, to have a delayed entry into a new campaign leaves a player downcast.

For a player like Mark Hutchings, trying to force his way into the team, that sense of frustration is multiplied. A man who is meticulous with everything he does, Hutchings had an exceptional pre-season and was a shining light in the NAB Challenge series.

He was then selected for the final practice match against Fremantle, but was forced to withdraw with a back problem. Initially it was considered a minor inconvenience, but the problem lingered, he was unavailable for that match and subsequently missed the opening two rounds of the season.

It then meant resuming via the WAFL, where he has played the last two matches, before being selected for his first appearance at AFL level for tomorrow’s round five match against Port Adelaide.

Playing elite sport is about building momentum and Hutchings was in that phase before the inconvenient speed hump of the back issue was thrust in his past.

But if there is one trait that Hutchings has learned to adopt in his football life, it’s patience.

After being selected by St Kilda in the 2010 rookie draft – and then being de-listed without playing game – he methodically sought to find a way back.

Perhaps adopting the mantra that Matt Priddis had applied after being over-looked in consecutive drafts, Hutchings returned to WA after the Saints experience determined to be the best player he could carve from within himself.

He changed WAFL clubs and opted to play with West Perth, having started his career with arch rivals East Perth, and his attention to detail brought results. He was runner-up in the Sandover Medal, franking his outstanding form, and then re-entered the AFL system when drafted by West Coast in 2012.

He continued to dominate at WAFL level, made his long-awaited debut against Brisbane at the Gabba in round seven last year, capping off his first season on an AFL senior list by playing nine games.

Through the West Coast partnership with East Perth, Hutchings played two games with his club of origin before commanding a recall for tomorrow’s clash with Port. Against an opposition with a strong midfield running brigade, Hutchings is a necessity, particularly given his WAFL form.

The popular 22-year-old will be keen to continue to build on the foundations of an impressive AFL career by picking up where his pre-season form sat before the hiccup with injury.