MARK Hutchings has played his 56-game career believing his position is under threat, but the tough West Coast midfielder feels that pressure intensifying ahead of the 2017 campaign.
Hutchings went full throttle in Saturday's 33-point pre-season loss to Greater Western Sydney, picking up 24 touches and laying six tackles as part of a young Eagles engine room.
Speaking to media on Monday in place of an ill Sharrod Wellingham, the 25-year-old onballer admitted he couldn't afford to take his spot for granted with the Eagles' youngsters pushing to break into the best 22.
"I go 100 per cent every game. I don't have the luxury to go any less but I also don't want to go any less because you don't want to get into bad habits choosing your contests," Hutchings said.
"I've felt it (increased pressure for spots), we've all felt it, but it's good for the group – it can only be good for the squad and the club.
"I've felt it every day of my AFL career, so it's been no different for me.
"What it comes down to is you can't rest on your performances from last year. You can't rest on your talent."
Hutchings, who was used in run-with roles late last season, earned respect for his consistent effort in an onball division which misfired at times.
The rugged Eagle made himself a valuable member of Adam Simpson's line-up by the end of the campaign, appearing in a career-best 18 games, and wants to play all three JLT Community Series matches to try to cement his spot for round one.
West Coast is set to field a significantly stronger side for Saturday's clash against Fremantle in Geraldton, with veterans Drew Petrie and Sam Mitchell – who was a no-show at training on Monday – expected to make their club debuts.
"Getting that connection with the new recruits, the only way you can build that chemistry is when you're out there playing with each other," Hutchings said.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
The Eagles could be without Will Schofield after he hobbled off with an ankle injury during the Giants clash.
The defender didn't train on Monday, however ruckman Scott Lycett continued his strong progress from a PCL reconstruction by moving freely during the 90-minute session.
Lycett is firming for round one against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, easing fears about West Coast's depleted ruck stocks for the premiership season.
Meanwhile, journeyman Jonathan Giles is working his way back from a left thumb injury and has already been ruled out of Saturday's clash with the Dockers, but could face Melbourne on March 9 in the Eagles' final pre-season hit-out.
