WESTERN Border football has already made an impact after just one round of games, with three matches suggesting it may be a closer competition this season.
Highlights from all games saw several players stand up against some tough opposition, but few better than Millicent’s Tom Hutchesson.
Hutchesson has been a stalwart of the Saints lineup for several years and has become a respected player in the league.
He has continued to push hard in a side that has struggled for some time, with last year’s early-season performances some reward for his loyalty.
Unfortunately the Saints did not go on to the final game of the year in 2017, but showed they were certainly on the way up.
This year sees some new players enter the lineup, which help provide the midfield work horse with a break from time to time.
But in typical style, Hutchesson did anything but rest when the chance presented itself.
Instead he joined recruit Matt Duldig in the forward line and banged home three goals, which went a long way to help the Saints home in a tough game of football, where just seven points decided the final outcome.
His pace and desire to win the football at ground level continues to place him as one of the top players in the league.
As the season progresses and playing coach Clint Gallio returns to the lineup, the Saints will certainly be a threat at the top end of the ladder, with Hutchesson’s new-found freedom around the ground sure to enhance the firepower.
For his efforts Hutchesson wins the first K&S Fuels footballer of the week award for 2018.
