[8] Sutton played for the Blues from 1888 to 1894;[1] during that time he was named one of Carlton's better players for the year in 1890, was vice-captain in 1892,[9] and served on the committee in 1893.

In 1890 Sutton travelled with Carlton to play two exhibition matches in New South Wales, to help promote the game.

After seven seasons with the Blues, Sutton was cleared by Carlton to move to Melbourne, who also played in the VFA, on 2 May 1895: the resulting dispute left him out of football in 1894.

[1] In the two seasons that Sutton was captain, Melbourne finished fourth and sixth respectively in the eight team competition.

[12] Ned Sutton died on 2 June 1911 at his parents home in East Malvern after a long illness.