A BEST ON GROUND performance from ruckman Ben McEvoy in the VFL on Saturday has caused more headaches for Hawthorn’s match committee.
Dropped to the VFL after a sub-par performance against Fremantle, McEvoy starred for Box Hill in Saturday’s thumping 129-point win over Northern Blues at City Oval.
The Hawks were too good for the Blues and sewed up a showdown with Port Melbourne in a Qualifying Final on Saturday at North Port Oval with the win.
Box Hill booted eight goals to three in the opening term to snuff out any hope of a Blues challenge and led by 53 points at half time before powering to a 26.15 (171) to 6.6 (42) win.
Named in the best, McEvoy finished with a game high 44 hit outs, 15 disposals, nine tackles and two goals in a performance that drew praise from former Box Hill Premiership Coach, Damian Caroll.
“We couldn’t have asked for too much more than what he delivered,” Caroll told hawthornfc.com.au
“He competed really well, was strong in the physical contest, kicked a couple of goals as well and we were really happy with his connection with the guys at ground level.
“It was a very pleasing step forward for ‘Benny’”
McEvoy’s performance throws his name back into the selection mix for Hawthorn for Friday night’s game against Collingwood, with the big man undoubtedly keen to re-claim his spot ahead of the finals.
Another Hawk to impress was ruckman/forward Sam Grimley.
After booting six goals in the win over Bendigo last week, Grimley backed up that effort with seven goals against the Blues to take his season tally to 38.
13 goals in two weeks catapulted Grimley to the top of the VFL’s goal kicking leaderboard, resulting in being crowned the joint winner of the Frosty Miller Medal for most goals kicked in a season, sharing the award with Port Melbourne’s Daniel Connors.
“He’s a real presence down there,” Caroll said of Grimley.
“We think we’ve got a number of avenues to goal and Sam has been one of those in the last few weeks who has really bobbed up and I’m sure now he’ll get some more attention and pressure from the opposition.
“He’s getting to more contests and if you’re doing that, you’re getting the chance to win more of the ball. He’s also attacking the contest with the energy and enthusiasm, which was probably lacking a few times this year.”
Impressive young midfielder Billy Hartung was also among those to press their case for a senior call-up on the eve of the finals.
With Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson declaring on Saturday night no Hawk would be risked in Round 23, Hartung could find himself on the MCG on Friday night after a solid performance in the victory.
Hartung, who has played six games in his debut season for the Hawks was an emergency for Saturday’s clash against Geelong.
He picked up 26 disposals for Box Hill, with his run and carry and work rate the shining lights once again.
“His work rate is a good as anyone’s at the Club and he’s super fit, so he’s another one who’s able to stay involved in the chain of play and receive,” Caroll said.
“We were happy with his overall game. He found a lot of the footy but probably didn’t use it as well as we know and expect from him.
“He’s been putting some work into his defensive efforts and we throught they held up on the weekend, which was a real positive.”
FINAL SCORE
BOX HILL HAWKS 8.0 11.8 18.12 26.15 (171)
NORTHERN BLUES 3.2 3.3 5.5 6.6 (42)
GOALS
BOX HILL HAWKS: S. Grimley 7, X. Murphy 4, A. Woodward, J. Soccio, B. McEvoy, J. Sicily 2, Schoenmakers, Kelly, Lowden, Ross, Willsmore, Tobin, Hallahan.
NORTHERN BLUES: M. Watson 3, S. Cattapan, F. Russell, l. Reynolds.
BEST
BOX HILL HAWKS: B. McEvoy, K. Brand, M. Hallahan, A. Woodward, J. Kelly, S. Grimley.
NORTHERN BLUES: M. Watson, P. Cripps, T. Totevski, T. Wilson.
