The 20-year-old from Ainslie in the ACT wasn't playing in the under-18s three years ago when the likes of Nic Naitanui, Michael Hurley and Chris Yarran were jockeying for top 10 positions in the 2008 national draft.
In fact, he wasn't playing football at all, instead captaining Australia's team to victory in the under-19 World Softball Championships in Yukon, Canada.
Yes, softball, an event played at Olympic level by women and one never previously associated with producing a promising AFL player.
On debut for the Western Bulldogs against Port Adelaide last Sunday, the line-breaking Tutt picked up 26 possessions and kicked four goals, and then promptly signed with the club in a show of faith from both parties.
So how does a softball catcher and short-stop end up being drafted with pick No.31 in the 2009 draft?
"At school I pretty much copied whatever my older brother Ryan did, so when he started playing T-ball I followed," Tutt said.
"T-Ball led into Mod Ball which was followed by softball and baseball once I reached under-12 level. I was still playing Australian rules in the winter."
But so proficient was Tutt at softball that by 13 he was selected to play for the ACT team in the national under-16 titles. Two years later the ACT won the titles with Tutt named as the most valuable player.
After that his progression to the national team was fast-tracked and a trip to New Zealand was followed by the world titles.
"Where we were playing in Yukon is up near Alaska. The games drew big crowds, like 6000 for our final," he said.
"But once I had achieved the world title there isn't much after that in the world of softball. You can play in the US or Japan for six months of the year but the pay isn't great."
So Tutt had to make the call. When chosen for the 2008 under-19 softball team, part of the deal was he wouldn't play AFL in case of injury.
Once he returned, it was time to find out whether he could cut it in football.
He played 2009 with the NSW-ACT Rams, although at 177cm he needed something special given AFL recruiters prefer 183cm and above.
Tutt, an excellent kick, didn't believe he would get drafted and figured he always had softball, or baseball, to fall back on.
"But the Bulldogs gave me a chance and right now I'm very happy they did. I have a long way to go but my first game was a good start," he said. "My old softball mates were great, sending me messages to say how happy they were for me."
Congratulations Jason on a fantastic AFL debut!!!!
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