HAWTHORN ruckman Ben McEvoy made a successful return from injury through Box Hill in their 21-point win over Williamstown at City Oval on Saturday.
McEvoy, who injured his hamstring in the opening half in the Round 10 loss to Port Adelaide and was subbed out at half time hasn’t played since, missing wins over GWS and West Coast.
But after making a successful return and playing a full game for the Hawks’ VFL affiliate, the former St Kilda big man appears likely to return for Hawthorn in Saturday’s clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
Before Saturday’s outing, McEvoy had played just one half of footy in five weeks, so his ability to play a full game in the VFL will hold him in good stead in his push to return to the Hawthorn side.
McEvoy impressed in his ruck and ground ball work and pushed hard into defence, particularly in the second half when Williamstown were pressing.
He finished with 33 hit outs, nine disposals, nine tackles and two clearances.
“He had a good battle against the VFL State ruckman Nick Meese, who’s a powerful and strong guy,” Development coordinator Damian Caroll said.
“It was pretty even around the stoppages – we were happy with his tackling and follow-up work and his repeat efforts.
“At times he was able to get behind the ball, where Williamstown didn’t want to release that kick, which made it hard for him to stay in the game.
“We were very happy to get him through full game time, four quarters and get some contact and physicality into him.”
Box Hill survived a scare in the second half, as the Seagulls booted four goals to one in the third quarter to lead by 10 points at the final change, before the Hawks piled one six goals to one to eventually run out 21-point winners.
Ruckman Luke Lowden returned to the VFL after making his AFL debut in the win over West Coast and performed well.
Playing mostly as a forward with McEvoy as the number one ruckman, Lowden booted two goals and finished with 19 hit outs and nine disposals.
“He had a fantastic attitude to coming back (to the VFL),” Caroll said. “He formed a formidable partnership with McEvoy as our ruckmen.
“In fact, his first five minutes of the last quarter, when we got a couple of goals were really important for us and he kicked the goal that put us in front.
“We were really happy with how he competed – his work rate around the ground was really good.”
While McEvoy and Lowden proved a formidable duo, rookie-listed Hawk Dallas Willsmore was outstanding up forward.
Willsmore, who was picked up by the Hawks in last year’s rookie draft booted four goals in the win in his best performance yet for Box Hill.
It was his third game at senior level after spending most of the year to date working on his game in the development league but proved a match winner.
He finished with 13 disposals, six marks, four tackles and four goals.
“It was a really good game from him, we were really happy with his work rate, ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and set up others as well,” Caroll said.
“It was great to see him get some reward for his hard work.
“Defensively he was a bit better this week as well, which is something we have been working on with him.
“We’ve been happy with his progress thus far and now hopefully he can get some consistency in the second-half of the year.”
Fellow rookie-listed Hawk Zac Webster again impressed in the midfield with 18 disposals and four tackles, while Jonathan Simpkin picked up 22 touches and five clearances.
Sam Grimley kicked three goals and Alex Woodward laid 13 tackles along with gathering 27 disposals.
FINAL SCORE
BOX HILL HAWKS 4.2 7.5 8.8 14.9 (93)
WILLIAMSTOWN 1.5 5.8 9.12 10.12 (72)
GOALS
BOX HILL HAWKS: D. Willsmore 4, S. Grimley 3, L. Lowden 2, S. Cust 2, L. Tobin, J. Sicily , M. Lock
WILLIAMSTOWN: S. Clouston 3, A. Marcon 2, A. Anastasio 2, K. Lambert , N. Sing, J. Johnstone
BEST
BOX HILL HAWKS: S. Illes, D. Willsmore, Z. Webster, A. Woodward, S. Collins, D. Mirra
WILLIAMSTOWN: B. Davies, N. Meese, K. Lambert, B. Jolley, E. Carr, B. Mangan
