Kyle Cheney is arguably one of the unluckiest players in footy at the moment given his consistent and impressive performances at VFL haven’t been rewarded because of the consistent, impressive performances of his teammates in the AFL.
In his second year at the Club, Cheney had probably a career-best year in the VFL, winning the best and fairest at Box Hill in a premiership year, just reward for his outstanding consistent year for the Club’s affiliate.
He was named in Box Hill’s best on 14 occasions and averaged 17.8 disposals and 7.7 marks in 14 VFL matches this season.
He used the ball well when he had it and showed he can read the play well by cutting off opposition passes. His run off half back too, was valuable for his team.
In his first five matches he was named in the best three times, with his best game coming against Port Melbourne in Round 1, when he had 19 disposals and nine marks and his 20 disposal and five mark effort against Bendigo.
He was rewarded for that outstanding VFL form in Round 9 of the AFL season when he made his first appearance for Hawthorn against the Suns.
He had 11 disposals in that game and held his spot for the following week’s victory over Melbourne.
Unfortunately, he was omitted after the win over the Demons and didn’t make another senior appearance until Rounds 16 and 17 - in the games against Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs.
He managed to play just four matches in 2013 but was a valuable contributor in each.
Cheney is one of those players who will do anything he can for the team, and that was best displayed when he went back with the flight of the ball against the Power and copped a heavy hit.
He was forced from the field to be assessed for concussion before returning 30 minutes later to be a key player in the hard-fought win over the Power at AAMI Stadium.
He is a hard, tough half back who loves to tackle but can also use the ball well and provide run through the midfield, talents he showed while playing in the VFL.
His uncompromising style allowed him to be a valuable contributor during the VFL finals series, where he was named in the best in each of the three finals matches.
He had 25 disposals and took eight marks in the qualifying final win over Williamstown and backed that up with 17 touches and eight marks in the grand final win.
With the retirement of Brent Guerra, there could potentially be a role available for Cheney if he continues to work hard over the summer.
He plays a lot like the dual premiership player as is a similar size at 186cm. He is a strong bodied player who just plays his role, something Alastair Clarkson loves.
What Chris Fagan said: “Cheney is probably one of the unluckiest players on the list. He is super consistent with his performances at Box Hill, he won the best and fairest there which is a fitting reward and played in the premiership side with them.
“He was always close to senior selection and is just one of those blokes you take your hat off to for being a super team player.”
