Jack Hutchins is ready to press his case for more senior opportunities, and is setting his sights on locking down a permanent spot as a key defender to do so. 

In 2013, the 21-year-old cemented himself as an established rebounding player out of half-back, playing nine of the side’s first 12 senior matches. 

But his early season build came to an abrupt halt after the mid-season break, with chronic back soreness restricting him to just one more AFL appearance for the remainder of the year. 

Those around him continued to grow and improve, making it all the more difficult for Hutchins to crack back into McKenna’s 22. 

However, with a new year comes fresh opportunities, and Hutchins has been determined to make the most of pre-season training.

The robust swingman has been training harder than ever this summer, even recording a new personal best in the 2km time trials. 

“It’s been a pretty good pre-season for me so far, I’ve managed to get through unscathed so hopefully I’ll be able to see the results on-field,” Hutchins told goldcoastfc.com.au.

Noticeably faster on the training track, Hutchins said he has benefited from a more personalised conditioning program this summer.

Confident a bigger engine will give him the leading edge he needs to cut it out as a goal protector, the hard-nosed Gold Coaster says he has spent significant time working on his defensive craft under the tutelage of Dean Solomon. 

“I have been focusing on my defensive stuff, really working closely with Solly and working on trying to cement a spot down there.

“So that the aim for me this year.”