Born: October 31 1897
- Died November 21, 1948
Recruited: Preston FC
Debut Order: 15
Played: 1923 - 1932
First game: VFL Round 1 1925
Last game: Round 17, 1932
Played: 1923 – 1932
Guernsey: 26 (1923-24), 12 (1925-27), 2 (1928,30), 20 (1929), 28 (1931-32)
Games: VFA 26, VFL 101
Goals: VFA 17, VFL 28
Best & Fairest: 1929
Reserves Playing Coach: 1933
Third 18 Coach: 1938 - 1941
Premiership: 1941
Life Member: 1933
Hall of Fame Inductee: 2011

VFL / AFL Honours
Gardiner Medal 1933

Ernest ‘Tich’ Utting was recruited from Preston in 1923, when Hawthorn competed in the VFA prior to joining the VFL in 1925. He previously played 16 games with Collingwood in the VFL from 1919 - 1922.  
He was a member of the team that played against Richmond in Hawthorn’s first game in the VFL at Glenferrie in 1925. Playing in the back pocket, the nuggety Utting was known for his great anticipation and tenacious attack at the ball. His balding head and bowed legs made him a real favourite with the supporters as he guarded the opposition goals with fierce determination.  
Utting won the Best & Fairest in 1929, playing his last game at the age of 34. Utting was also the first player to be accorded a Club Testimonial in recognition for valued services to the Club held in the Hawthorn Town Hall on August 20, 1932.
Utting was appointed Playing Coach of the Reserve 18 in 1933.  The team narrowly missed the finals by percentage. However, he gained some reward winning the Gardiner Medal for Best Player in the Reserves Competition being the second Hawthorn player to achieve this award.  
Forever the epitome of the ideal Clubman, Utting continued to assist with the development of the younger players, coaching the Hawthorn Colts for four years, winning the Premiership in 1941, the Club’s first premiership at any level since joining the VFL in 1925. Stepping down as coach, he continued to offer his assistance with training and the recruiting of potential players until his early passing in 1948.