Playing the first 12 seasons of his career in the ruck, Ben McEvoy would have been forgiven for thinking that would be the way his career would remain until its end. But, as it panned out, Alastair Clarkson had other ideas and delivered the news to McEvoy over the summer that he had plans to play the two-time premiership Hawk in defence in 2020. As you would expect from a man of his character, Big Boy did not complain and instead embraced the challenge. That attitude was reflected in McEvoy’s performance this year. The 31-year-old slotted relatively seamlessly into the back half mix, growing in the confidence as the year went on. While he was called upon to ruck at times throughout the year, he ultimately spent the bulk of his year amongst the back six. His fourth place finish was a credit to the outstanding player and clubman he is.


Brownlow Medal: 0 (2020) 19 (career)
Previous AFL clubs: St Kilda (2008-13: 91 games, 27 goals)
Recruited from: Murray Bushrangers
Draft history: Pick 9, 2007 National Draft


Player sponsorship: David Vernon (Platinum), Aaron Noonan (Silver)


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