With the 2014 season now complete, hawthornfc.com.au will review the season of those who played a senior game for the Hawks in 2014 with the help of GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan.
 

When Ben McEvoy arrived at Hawthorn via the 2013 trade period, the ruckman labeled it as an exciting opportunity to play finals and achieve success but that almost didn’t eventuate.

His first season at the Hawks probably didn’t pan out as expect but ended in what he would have hoped, and even dreamed of when he arrived at the Ricoh Centre.

Assuming the number seven guernsey vacated by retiring veteran Michael Osborne, McEvoy played 13 of a possible 25 games, averaging 12.8 disposals, 20.8 hit outs and 4.4 marks.

He impressed immediately upon his arrival and at his first training sessions over the pre-season, with his incredible running capacity for a 200cm big man the shining light.

McEvoy made his debut for the Hawks in Round 1 and in that game illustrated why Alastair Clarkson was excited to have the former Saint join the Hawks.

13 disposals, 22 hit outs, six marks, three tackles and a goal was an outstanding debut, and his second game was even better with 14 disposals, 28 hit outs and five marks.

But his year was halted in Round 3 when he suffered a calf injury and was forced to miss two games before returning in Round 5 and play the next five straight before again being struck down with injury, this time a hamstring strain.

That opened the door for young ruckman teammate Jonathon Ceglar, who took the opportunity to fill the ruck void with both hands and in turn, assumed McEvoy’s position.

McEvoy was forced to resume via the VFL due to Ceglar’s outstanding AFL form but eventually forced his way back in in Round 17 after a brilliant performance against Casey where he booted five goals, had 16 disposals, took nine marks and had 25 hit outs, followed by 22 hit outs, 11 disposals, five marks and four tackles against Essendon’s VFL team.

It appeared as though McEvoy would assert himself as Hawthorn’s number one big man after an impressive effort against the Crows in his return game with 15 disposals, 24 hit outs and two goals before averaging 13.5 disposals, 24 hit outs and 4.5 marks across his next four outings.

But, with Ceglar dominating in the VFL and McEvoy struggling against Fremantle in the Roudn 21 loss, the former Saints ruckman lost his spot in the team and almost his chance at a premiership.

McEvoy didn’t re-appear for Hawthorn until the Grand Final against Sydney, earning a recall after dominating in the VFL with an average of 17 disposals, 44.6 hit outs, seven tackles and two goals per game in his final three games at the second-tier level.

The now premiership Hawk proved his addition was worth it in the decider as the dominant ruckman on the ground with 15 disposals, 14 hit outs and three tackles.

The form he showed at the end of the season was exactly why the Hawks got him to the Club, becoming a towering and powerful force in the ruck of which his midfield teammates can take advantage.

McEvoy has shown what he can offer Hawthorn and despite winning a premiership in his first season with the Club and at just 25 years of age, has much still to improve on and achieve in the next few years as an aggressive and powerful ruckman of the AFL.

What GM – Footy Chris Fagan said: “For Ben it would have been an emotionally challenging year. He had some very good games in the AFL team but ‘Cegs’ (Jonathon Ceglar) popped up and posed a challenge to him.

“He had to spend some time playing at Box Hill and was brilliant in the early finals. In fact I daresay they wouldn’t have won the preliminary final if it wasn’t for Ben’s efforts.

“He was then lucky enough to get the nod for the AFL Grand Final and he didn’t let us down. He played a really good game - we were really pleased that he was able to get a premiership medallion.”
 

Ben McEvoy in the news in 2014
- McEvoy’s ‘fairy tale’ move
- VFL: McEvoy leads Hawks to Grand Final
- McEvoy stars again as selection headaches loom
- This is an ‘exceptional opportunity’: McEvoy

Videos featuring Ben McEvoy in 2014
- Ben McEvoy on new start at new club
- McEvoy speaks after the premiership
- #everymoment: McEvoy

Ben McEvoy with his premiership medal after the 2014 Grand Final.