After two tough years living the dream in the frantic world of an AFL footballer, Millicent’s Tom Hutchesson (pictured) is enjoying a moment of relaxing reflection in home quarantine as he ponders what is next.

In 2020, Hutchesson’s life-long ambition of making his AFL debut became a reality when he wore the Greater Western Sydney Giants jumper in a Thursday night Battle of the Bridge.

Sadly, after seven disposals, the former Millicent Saints’ premiership player’s special occasion was cut short by a hamstring injury, a setback the 26-year-old had to get used to.

The same injury halted Hutchesson from extending his career and the trouble was so bad it meant GWS had to give him the tough news he will not be offered a contract for the 2022 AFL season.

The mature-age draftee has had a month to reflect on his time at the elite level of Australia’s biggest sport and has just kicked off his 14 days of home quarantine at the seaside town of Southend with his partner.

Hutchesson said it has been a busy recent period moving back home from the Sydney metropolis to the country and is just keen to see his loved ones again.

“Everything is being shipped back from Sydney at the moment so it has been a big couple of weeks getting back into life down here again,” he said.

“We have not seen our families since the start of they year so it will be great to catch up with all the friends and family down here.”

Although Hutchesson was only the given the solitary AFL start, he holds nothing, but fond memories from his whirlwind two-year stay at Giants Stadium.

“It was a lifetime experience getting drafted and doing what I did,” he said.

“Even though COVID took over and injuries were not my best friend, but it was definitely one of my best experiences for sure because it is a great system and I loved every minute.

“It was a lifetime dream and I got to fulfill it so I will always be grateful.”

After his maiden taste of the big time on the field was cut short from injury, Hutchesson put in the hard yards last summer to get himself in position to make a case for an extended run in the Giants’ team.

However, at the precise moment the Millicent youngster appeared ready to take the final step, his hamstring would flare up again and put him out of action.

Hutchesson said he could not break free from the harsh and heartbreaking cycle.

“It (2021) was very, very tough,” he said.

“I did everything I could under the sun to get it right and then halfway through a game I would do the hamstring again, have six weeks off doing rehab, comeback and get injured straight away.

“I only played the one full game and did the same hamstring three times this year and it was heartbreaking, but it was just one of those things.”

Hutchesson said a big positive from the tough times was the support he received from the entire club, which for the second season in a row had to travel around the country in bio-bubbles to keep the show on the road.

“All the medical staff and coaches were really good, but the players got around me so much,” he said.

“If I went down, they tried to make sure I did not feel distanced from the group and gave me a lot of support.

“The team was really close towards the end of the season because we were around each other all the time.”

Despite the team bonding positives of playing on the road, Hutchesson conceded constant travelling between hotels and grounds took its toll.

“It was hard because my partner moved up with me and each time I had to leave her on her own for two months in Sydney,” he said.

“It was challenging leaving and not knowing when I was coming back.

“We were told we might be away for a couple of weeks, but in the end we were gone for 10 weeks.”

The 2021 season was a big turning point for GWS returning to the top eight after failing to back up the 2019 AFL Grand Final loss to Richmond with a finals appearance in 2020.

The Giants emerged victorious from a show-stopping elimination final with cross-town rival Sydney at Launceston, but a week later a formidable Geelong side proved too strong.

After being forced to watch all 24 games from the sidelines, Hutchesson was told the tear-jerking news his playing services were not required in 2022.

The former Millicent Saint admitted he still felt he had more to give GWS, but could understand the call.

“Going into the end of year meeting I had a bit of an idea because I had not played any footy due to injuries,” Hutchesson said.

“They just said everyone here loves you, but we have just not seen enough of you and we have to get rid of a certain amount of people, so we have to let you go.

“I knew it was coming, but if I did not have as many injuries I might still be there, but was not meant to be.”

Fortunately, Hutchesson has recovered from his horrendous hamstring woes and is able to run again, so the big question on everyone’s lips is when and where will he return to football?

His former home Millicent is fresh off the back a second Western Border Football League premiership in three seasons and he cheered on the success all the way from Sydney.

But the star midfielder said he has not given the potential destinations much thought yet and will assess his options after settling back into the Limestone Coast.

“I have had a few different opportunities, but at the moment I have nothing planned,” Hutchesson said.

“I will wait until I get out of quarantine to start putting a few things in place and meet people face to face and not over the phone.”