Hawthorn has secured talented ruckman Ben McEvoy from St Kilda in exchange for young midfielder Shane Savage and the Hawks’ first round pick, number 17 overall.

McEvoy, 24, played all 22 games in season 2013 and held down the number one ruck role at St Kilda.  

Hawthorn’s Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright said the gifted ruckman is a good pick-up for the Club.

“Ben is a great addition to our list, and will complement our centre square unit extremely well,” Wright said.

“He has elite endurance, is very strong overhead and is a high quality ruckman.

“At only 24 years old, Ben is already one of the competition’s premier ruckmen and we believe he still has significant improve to come.

“We look forward to Ben working with our Ruck Coach Damian Monkhorst, and other coaching staff, throughout season 2014 and beyond."

McEvoy was taken at pick 9 by St Kilda in the 2007 AFL National Draft and has played 91 career games since his debut in 2008. He was part of the Saints’ leadership group in 2012 and 2013.

Savage departs Hawthorn with a tally of 56 career games, including 15 senior games in 2013. He was a member of the 2013 VFL premiership team with Box Hill Hawks, and was the substitute in Hawthorn’s 2012 grand final side.  

In thanking Savage for his service to the Club, Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson said St Kilda presents new opportunities for the talented youngster.

“Shane is a quality person and can be proud of his contribution to Hawthorn Football Club,” Clarkson said.

“Shane has identified greater opportunity at St Kilda and we support his move and wish him well for the future.”