On the field, he was one of the premier key forwards in the competition.

Off the field, he was a great friend to team-mates and a long-serving member of the Bloods' committee.

Hutcheson passed away recently after a long battle with illness. He was 73.

Nicknamed Camel, Hutcheson played his first senior game for the Bloods in 1968 where he was coached by former Geelong star Colin Rice.

In 1969, Hutcheson was a key player in the Bloods' first senior premiership in 56 years.

His form that season led to an offer from VFL club Geelong, but Hutcheson elected to stay in Bendigo.

Knee injuries hindered his 1970 and 1971 seasons, but the left-footer returned to his best in 1972 by kicking 69 goals to share the BFL goalkicking award with Golden Square's Keith Raynor.

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In 1974, Hutcheson traveled overseas with his wife Jenny and missed most of the BFL season.

He returned in time to make his way into the South Bendigo team to play Castlemaine in the preliminary final.

The Bloods won the match and advanced to a grand final clash with traditional rival Sandhurst.

Hutcheson bagged five goals in the grand final and his great mate Ted Aldridge kicked six as the Bloods won by 22 points.

"Hutch was a great team player,'' Aldridge said.

"He looked after everyone else rather than being an individual.

"He was a great shot for goal and so strong and very courageous.

"From a team-mate point of view you couldn't have asked for anyone better.

"Off the field, he was just a ripper bloke. He got along well with everyone, was social with everyone and was a great family man.

"Hutch was a great guy."

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