RUCKMAN Ben McEvoy marked his return to the senior side with a strong performance against Fremantle on Sunday.
McEvoy was among the Hawks’ best players – and arguably best afield in the first half – in their 72-point triumph over the Dockers at Aurora Stadium.
It took four solid performances at VFL level for McEvoy to force his way back into the senior side after overcoming a hamstring injury – and he is happy to be back.
“It was really enjoyable today,” he said after the game.
“Obviously we put together a good four-quarter performance against really good opposition, so we’re really pleased with the outcome.”
A day after his 26th birthday, McEvoy turned it on – in combination with David Hale – against Dockers duo Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke.
Fremantle won the hit-outs, 58 to 44, but the Hawks controlled the midfield through relentless pressure – and McEvoy said that had been a real focus.
“We knew that was going to be a huge challenge going into the game,” he said.
“We had some things in place – we thought we executed really well in that area and really nullified their influence in that part of the game.”
McEvoy was influential in the air and at ground level – winning 12 disposals, seven marks and 24 hit-outs, while effecting six tackles and seven one-percenters.
He also went forward to great effect, converting two goals from marks inside 50 to be one of 10 goalkickers for the Hawks.
“It’s always nice to get on the end of a few, and when they come off the boot straight it’s nice,” McEvoy said.
“We had a really good spread of goalkickers, which was great.”
It’s a short turnaround for the Hawks, who will face 2014 grand final opponent Sydney Swans for the second time this season on Saturday night.
McEvoy missed the Round 8 clash between the sides through injury.
He said the Hawks were looking forward to another big challenge.
“It’s a short break – a six day break – so we’ll have to set ourselves for that and they’re always hard to beat up there, so it’s going to take another good performance next week,” he said.
