Hutchinson faces Jets as coach after years as their public enemy
John Hutchinson, once hated by Newcastle Jets fans as a player, now coaches Central Coast Mariners.
John Hutchinson still keeps the coins Newcastle Jets fans hurled at him during his playing days. The Central Coast Mariners legend holds the club appearance record with 271 games.
Fans hated him for his physical play and constant shirt-fronts against their players. John Hutchinson and Joel Griffiths had explosive duels, both physical and verbal.
Now Hutchinson returns to the rivalry from the coaching sideline. His Mariners face Newcastle in the F3 derby season opener at Gosford on Saturday.
Hutchinson said he relishes the rivalry. He calls it fantastic that fans from both coasts get passionate about the fixture.
He and Jets coach Mark Milligan, who played together in the old NSL, will compete tactically and on the field.
- 271 games
- Hutchinson appearances
- No.7
- Jersey number
- Gosford
- Venue
- 2026-27
- Season
Why it mattersThe F3 derby has personal edge when former arch-enemies face off from opposite benches, adding storyline to a new coaching chapter.
AustraliaCentral Coast and Newcastle fans will watch one of Australian football's spiciest regional rivalries with a new twist, as Hutchinson's return as coach reignites old tensions.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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