Hutchings, who will be the sole Eagle representing West Perth in Sunday’s WAFL grand final against East Perth, polled 24 votes to finish in 10th position, behind East Fremantle midfielder Rory O’Brien, who dominated the count to poll 55 votes.
O’Brien was 12 votes clear of former West Coast and Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson.
Hutchings, who made his AFL debut in round seven against Brisbane, split his time between both levels, playing nine senior matches after being drafted as a “mature age” prospect last November.
He enjoyed an outstanding season with the Falcons and was judged best-on-ground on four occasions, to reinforce the impact he had on the second tier.
East Fremantle wingman Bradd Dalziell also polled strongly, racking up 20 votes, from limited opportunities – given he played 17 senior games this year, while South Fremantle stalwart Ashton Hams, who was ineligible because of suspension, was next best with 17 votes.
On Sunday, Hutchings will be a key player against East Perth, who will be well represented by West Coast players. Adam Selwood, Jamie Cripps, Cale Morton, Scott Lycett and Blayne Wilson will be expected to play for the Royals in a game of high expectations.
With two of the strongest supporter bases in the WAFL it is predicted that a crowd in excess of 30,000 will attend.
West Coast Eagles Sandover Medal Leader Board
24 Mark Hutchings (West Perth)
20 Bradd Dalziell (East Fremantle)
17 Ashton Hams (South Fremantle)
12 Daniel Kerr (East Fremantle)
10 Cale Morton, Adam Selwood (East Perth)
8 Scott Lycett (East Perth)
5 Sam Butler (Perth), Callum Sinclair (Subiaco)
4 Jeremy McGovern (Claremont), Brad Dick, Brad Sheppard (East Fremantle)
3 Matt Rosa, Blayne Wilson (East Perth), Simon Tunbridge (Perth), Jamie Bennell (Swan Districts)
2 Sharrod Wellingham (East Perth), Ash Smith (Perth), Mark Nicoski (Subiaco), Andrew Embley (Swan Districts)
1 Pat McGinnity (Claremont), Jamie Cripps (East Perth)
