HUTCHISON, Bill

Bill Hutchison was one of the most brilliant rovers of all time. He debuted for Essendon in Round 2, 1942, and went on to have one of the most decorated careers in the game. In 2002 he was voted the fourth best player in the Club's history.

He was fast, tireless, a fine stab kick and an accurate shot for goal. While not big, "Hutchy" was all heart but managed to stay out of trouble. He was also regarded as a gentleman, both modest and scrupulously fair, although prone to "back chat" the umpires. With team-mates John Coleman and Dick Reynolds he formed part of a triumvirate of superstars in the late 1940s.

Hutchison came to Essendon initially as a wingman and he played on the half-forward flank in the premiership team of 1942, his first flag in only his 11th game. By 1946, he had become first rover and he was close to best on the ground in that role in the premiership victory that year. He was also a superb rover in the 1949 and 1950 premiership wins.

He became captain of Essendon after the retirement of Dick Reynolds in 1951 and he held that position until 1957. He had been vice-captain in 1950.

In 16 seasons he won seven Club Best and Fairest awards, one in almost every second season of his career. He won the Brownlow Medal in 1953 after missing out on a count back the previous year. According to the rules of the day the player with the most 3 votes won the medal. He was declared runner-up although equal on votes. Hutchison was later awarded the medal posthumously after the VFL amended this rule in 1989. His 172 career votes is the highest at Essendon.

Hutchison won Essendon's Best and Fairest award in 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1955 and 1956 and was runner-up in 1949 and 1954. He also won the Best Clubman award in 1951.

His total of 28 finals games is more than any other Essendon player and only two Bombers - Dick Reynolds and Gordon Lane - have kicked more than his 32 finals goals. He played in seven second semi-finals which is an Essendon record and in 10 Grand Finals which is the equal top with Dick Reynolds.

He was Essendon's leading goalkicker in 1948 with 52 goals and he was the League's fourth top in that year. He was Essendon runner-up goalkicker in 10 seasons: 1945, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951 (equal),1952, 1953, 1955 and 1956. He was third top in 1954. He booted seven goals in a game in 1945 and 1947 and six goals in both 1946 and 1948.

In an era of much lower possessions, he had an impressive 33 kicks in a VFL versus VFA game in 1956.

Hutchison also played in a then-record 30 interstate games, the most of any Essendon player. He represented Victoria in every year from 1945 to 1954 and again in 1956. This is the most years of interstate football of any Essendon player.

He kicked 67 interstate goals and this is also the most kicked by any Essendon player. He captained the State side in 1953 and 1956 and won an All-Australian blazer in both those years. He was also chosen in the Sporting Life all Australian side in 1947.

Hutchison hung up his boots at the end of 1957 at the age of 34. Only Dick Reynolds and Jack Clarke have played more seasons at Essendon.

Essendon were lucky he stayed so long as, in 1954, he sought a clearance to coach North Melbourne but this was refused.

On retirement Hutchison became coach of the Thirds in 1958 and 1959 and then assistant senior coach and coach of the Seconds from 1962 to 1964. He joined the Club committee from 1966 to 1971 and was a VFL selector from 1978 to 1980.

He was an inaugural Legend in both Essendon's Hall of Fame and the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and was named Champions of Essendon no. 4. He was awarded VFL Life membership in 1974.

Bill Hutchison died on 18th June, 1982, at the young age of 59.