Ern Utting

A tough, bow-legged local product from the streets of Collingwood, Ern "Tich" Utting overcame a childhood heart condition and a false start to his VFL career to become one of Hawthorn’s first true stars. Originally a prolific forward for Collingwood District, he booted over 90 goals in the 1919 reserves season but found opportunities scarce in the Magpies' senior lineup. Despite topping Collingwood's goalkicking in 1920, he struggled to cement a spot in their formidable side and crossed to Hawthorn in 1923 while the club was still in the VFA. It proved a masterstroke for both player and club, as Utting became a foundational pillar of the Mayblooms' inaugural VFL team in 1925.

While he arrived as a forward, Utting forged his legacy in the back pocket, where his tenacity and anticipation made him a formidable defender. Standing just 166cm, he was a relentless competitor who regularly polled well in the Brownlow Medal, finishing in the top ten on three occasions. He became the first player to reach 100 VFL games for Hawthorn and claimed the club's Best and Fairest award twice, in 1927 and 1929. Utting remained a devoted servant at Glenferrie long after his senior retirement in 1932, captain-coaching the reserves to a Gardiner Medal and later guiding the thirds to a premiership, cementing his status as the club's first great VFL-era clubman.