Hutchings, runner-up in the 2012 Sandover Medal, was in good form in the two NAB Challenge matches, was rested for the practice game against Fremantle, but has a back injury which will sideline him for up to two weeks.
While he was far from guaranteed a start in the first match, he had done enough through the pre-season to cause the match committee to spend some time discussing his claims.
It comes as no surprise that tough defender Beau Waters has also been ruled out, while first-year key position prospect Tom Barrass is recovering from a hip injury.
Waters is officially out with a shoulder injury, but it is as much about building up his fitness base in the next month or so, as it is about assessing whether his troublesome shoulder can handle the physical requirements of AFL football.
The club’s fitness and medical staff have done an outstanding job to get the players to this point, with only two players vying for a place in the starting 22 being ruled out with injury.
Click here to view the full injury list.
