Ben McEvoy
Ben McEvoy has a huge role this week in the ruck duel with Blue Matthew Kreuzer. Two of the stronger chances for the All Australian ruck position, this battle will go a long way towards deciding the outcome of Saturday night’s clash. McEvoy, who resigned with the Hawks this week until the end of 2019, has set a new career-high in hit-outs this season with 32.7. But the strongest point of Big Boy’s year has been his aerial work, leading all ruckmen in marks (4.1 per game) and contested marks (1.8), while he is also equal second in marks inside 50 (0.7).
Blake Hardwick
Signing a two-year contract extension this week which will see him remain at Hawthorn until at least the end of 2019, Blake Hardwick has put together a very promising season. Going under the radar in many ways this year, Hardwick is one of only ten players in the competition to have picked up over 200 possessions this season at an efficiency of 84% or greater. His promise was recognised in Round 15 after an impressive 19-disposal outing in the win over Collingwood. Hawks fans should continue to keep an eye on the 20-year old, who is starting to forge a place in an exciting new-look Hawthorn backline.
Taylor Duryea
Taylor Duryea is set to play his 100th game against Carlton this Saturday night. After playing the majority of his career as a defender, the two-time premiership player has been the subject of one of many positional shifts Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has put in place throughout the journey this year. The 26-year old has excelled with a defensive forward role at times this year, showing an ability to be able negate some of the opposition’s best defenders. All Australian fancy, Carlton’s Sam Docherty may be in Duryea’s sights this week.
Matthew Kreuzer
Having missed only one game this season, Matthew Kreuzer has enjoyed the most consistent year of his career in 2017. Touted as a chance to win his first All Australian honour, the 28-year old has carried the bulk of the Blues’ ruck division almost solely on his shoulders this season. The former number one draft pick is averaging career-highs in a plethora of statistics, including disposals (15.3), hit-outs (31.5), tackles (5.3), marks (3.4), inside 50s (2.6), clearances (4.2) and contested possessions (9.6).
Levi Casboult
Levi Casboult is another Blue who has had the best year of his career this season. The hulking 201cm key forward leads the league this year in contested marks, averaging 2.5 grabs per game. The marking has always been a strength of Casboult’s, but this season he has complemented that by kicking more goals than ever before at 1.6 a match. The Blues’ key scoring source, the 27-year old will be one to watch as the Hawks know, if they can keep him goalless as they have in their last two encounters, then it goes a long way towards toppling the Blues.
Read: Oppo analysis - a closer look at Carlton
