Jack Hutchins’ excellent form with the Gold Coast SUNS has seen the robust swingman rewarded with a senior berth against Hawthorn this Saturday night.
Gold Coast has made just one enforced change to its winning side from round 3, with Hutchins replacing Brandon Matera in the top 22 after the small forward accepted a one-week sanction for engaging in rough conduct with Brisbane Lions captain Jed Adcock.
Hutchins has been a consistent performer for reserves’ coach Josh Fraser in recent weeks, and thoroughly deserves his chance at the top level according to General Manager Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft.
“Jack has played well for our reserves side and has been a solid contributor in the last two weeks,” Ashcroft told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“He deserves his opportunity and will be a welcome replacement for Brandon.”
Hutchins faces the toughest return football has to offer, with the Hawks showing no sign of slowing down after their sensational 2013 premiership-winning season.
Thankfully for GC SUNS fans, Steven May keeps his spot in the starting line-up, after the in-form full-back successfully challenged his controversial rough conduct charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
His inclusion is a massive confidence booster for Gold Coast, and opens up the star-studded match-up between May and reigning Coleman medallist, Jarryd Roughead, with the Hawks’ spearhead having already kicked eight goals in his three AFL starts this season.
“It’s is a fantastic result to have Steven available for our round 4 match against the Hawks,” he said.
“He has been in fantastic form in our first three games and has been one of the main contributors in us winning games of football.
“When you play against the best teams you need your good players playing and May is certainly in that bracket.”
ROUND 4 AFL Premiership Senior Team
B: M. Warnock, S. May, G. Broughton
HB: S. Lemmens, C. Cameron, T. McKenzie
C: M. Shaw, G. Ablett, J. Harbrow
HF: A. Hall, T. Lynch, D. Stanley
F: K. Kolodjashnij S. Day, R. Thompson
R: T. Nicholls, J. O’Meara, D. Swallow
INT: L. Russell, J. Hutchins, D. Prestia, M. Rischitelli
Emergencies: T. Murphy, K. Hunt, J. Taylor
In: Hutchins
Out: Matera (suspension)
