Much-loved Hawthorn Captain Ben McEvoy will play his final AFL game against the Western Bulldogs this Sunday, signifying the end of a 15-year career.

In anticipation for his final game, we've taken a year-by-year look at his journey over the seasons. 

2007

McEvoy is taken by St Kilda with Pick 9 in the 2007 National Draft. 

The then 18-year-old was recruited as a ruckman from his local club Dederang-Mt Beauty and the Murray Bushrangers under-18s.

2008

In his first year at the Saints, McEvoy makes his debut against Fremantle in Round 13. 

The game, which was his only outing for the year, saw him finish with six disposals. 

2009

McEvoy was named an emergency eight times and only played one AFL match during the first 10 rounds of the 2009 season, coming into the Round 7 side against Collingwood as a late replacement.

He played nine consecutive matches between Rounds 11 and 19. He was recalled to the side for Round 22 but was then dropped, being named an emergency for the Qualifying Final against Collingwood.

He did not play in any of St Kilda’s three finals this year. 

2010

After playing strongly into and through the 2010 finals series, including eight consecutive games and 18 for the season, McEvoy was dropped for the Grand Final against Collingwood.

After trailing by 24 points at half-time, St Kilda fought back brilliantly with the two sides locked together on 68 points apiece at the final siren. 

With injury to first ruck Michael Gardiner, McEvoy regained his place in the side for the Grand Final replay in which the Saints lost. 

2011

McEvoy commenced the 2011 season as St Kilda’s main ruckman and played significantly more game time.

The year was widely considered McEvoy's break-out season, averaging 14.5 disposals a game and 22.4 hit-outs.

2012

McEvoy continues his form as St Kilda's number one ruckman again in 2012, but underwent mid-season surgery to his knee. 

He missed six games and after returning played every game to the season's end. 

2013

McEvoy lands at the Hawks during the 2013 trade period following 91 games with the Saints.

While he played all 22 games and held down the number one ruck role all season, McEvoy was traded to Hawthorn at the end of the year. 

2014

McEvoy plays his first game for Hawthorn against Brisbane in Round 1. 

He finished with 13 disposals, 22 hit-outs, six marks, three tackles and a goal marking an outstanding club debut.

After an injured start to the season, McEvoy went on to play 13 of a possible 25 games, averaging 12.8 disposals, 20.8 hit-outs and 4.4 marks.

His season culminated in a winning Grand Final over Brisbane, marking his first taste of premiership glory in his first year in the brown and gold. 

2015

After last year's premiership success, Hawthorn wins another Grand Final in 2015 and McEvoy becomes a dual premiership player.

It comes after McEvoy enjoyed another strong season, playing in 19 senior matches.

Primarily in tandem with David Hale, the duo played an important role in the Hawks’ finals campaign and was a key component of the Grand Final victory, negating the influence of West Coast Eagles star Nic Naitanui.

2016

McEvoy had a slightly modified role in 2016, spending more time up forward.

He had a disjointed end to the year, when he was a late withdrawal from the Hawks Round 23 clash with Collingwood. Having played every game until that point, McEvoy missed with a back complaint.

He returned for the qualifying final against Geelong and played in both finals for the Hawks. 

2017

Playing all 22 games in his 10th career campaign, McEvoy had arguably his best year in the brown and gold, finishing second in the Peter Crimmins Medal.

Shouldering the bulk of the ruck burden by himself, he smashed his previous best season average in hit-outs (25.3), averaging 32.4 this year.

His career-best season that saw him ranked among the best ruckmen in the league with only five opposition ruckmen finishing with more hit-outs than Big Boy this season.

2018

McEvoy followed up a career-best year in 2017 with an equally strong season in 2018.

He averaged over 30 hit-outs for just the second time in his career, while his 1.4 contested marks per game was the best rate of any Hawk.

He finished in equal-eighth position in the Peter Crimmins Medal despite missing five games between Rounds 17 and 21 with a fractured cheekbone.

2019

One of Hawthorn's most consistent players in 2019, McEvoy was a clear stand-out for the side.

Through Rounds 1 to 5, McEvoy averaged 15.2 disposals, 30.6 hit-outs, 6.4 marks and 1.2 goals.

McEvoy's season hit a slight road bump when he miss three games between Round 10 and 12 with an ankle injury.

He also continued to prove one of the Hawks' most reliable shots at goal, finishing with 8.2 for the season.

2020

Playing the first 12 seasons of his career in the ruck, McEvoy made a switch to defence in 2020.

He slotted relatively seamlessly into the back half mix, with his his fourth place finish in the Peter Crimmins Medal a credit to the outstanding player and clubman he is.

2021

Following a player vote, McEvoy is named Hawthorn's 37th VFL/AFL captain for the 2021 season.

Featuring in every game this year, the veteran kicked 12 goals across the season and played in a multitude of positions.

At the end of the season McEvoy is recognised as Hawthorn’s best clubman and awarded life membership.

2022 

McEvoy is re-appointed captain for a second consecutive year.

After fracturing his neck in Round 2, he makes a long-awaited return in Round 17 against Adelaide.

In Round 21, he became the 275th player in VFL/AFL history to play 250 games.

McEvoy calls time on his 15-year career following his 250th milestone, with Round 23 set to be his last.