The stats
AFL games: 22
Disposals per game: 12.5
Marks: 4
Kicks: 5
Tackles: 3.5
Total goals: 14
Review
Ben McEvoy was one of the Hawks’ most important players in 2017.
In his fourth year in the brown and gold, McEvoy put together arguably the best season of his career.
Shouldering the bulk of the ruck burden by himself, McEvoy smashed his previous best season average in hit-outs (25.3), averaging 32.4 this year.
Only five opposition ruckmen had more hit-outs than ‘Big Boy’ this season.
The 28-year old’s 14 goals were the most he has booted in a season, highlighting his impact in all areas of the ground.
One of only six Hawks to play all 22 games in 2017, McEvoy will be looking to build on his career year in 2018.
A word from: Brett Ratten
“Ben’s impact is 2017 was probably the best of his whole career.
“His ability to get the hit-out and then follow up at ground level was great. His work with contested marking was also a highlight. He kicked 14 goals as well, which was the most of any ruckman in the competition.
“He played as the lone hand in the ruck pretty much all year, because we used Tim O’Brien as our second ruck option to support him.
“So, McEvoy played high game-time and he really gave our midfield real confidence, especially in the second half of the year.”
