It was heartbreaking at the time, but being axed from St Kilda's rookie list in 2010 has been the making of West Coast midfielder Mark Hutchings.
Hutchings failed to play an AFL game during his one-year stint at the Saints.
But after dominating in WAFL ranks over the next two years, Hutchings was thrown another lifeline when he was snared with pick No.60 by West Coast in the 2012 national draft.
A raft of injuries to key players opened the door for Hutchings to make his AFL debut in round seven this year, and the 22-year-old has made the most of his opportunities since then, averaging 21 possessions over his past nine games.
In Saturday's win over Gold Coast, Hutchings tallied 25 disposals, seven clearances and a goal in his best game for the club to date.
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Hutchings knows he'll face a battle to keep his spot in the side next year once the likes of Luke Shuey, Daniel Kerr, Beau Waters, Shannon Hurn, Mark LeCras, Chris Masten and Nic Naitanui hit full flight again.
But for now, he's focused on improving his game and showing the coaching staff he has what it takes to thrive at the elite level.
Hutchings said his axing at St Kilda and being overlooked at several drafts had made him a hungrier player.
West Coast are reaping the rewards.
"As a mature-age draftee, you understand it's not easy to make it onto an AFL list," Hutchings said.
"You definitely realise how much work it's taken and you just want to make the most of it - leave no stone unturned and give it your best shot.
"Whereas if you're drafted at 18, you kind of think 'oh well, it was straight onto an AFL list and I'll be playing games next year'."
Hutchings is a contender to get the job on Bombers skipper Jobe Watson in Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium.
Watson gathered 29 possessions and booted two goals in a match-winning effort when the teams met earlier this year, and Hutchings said he admired the Brownlow medallist's strong will to succeed.
