Ben McEvoy

[plugger66]

It seems I may have been a one out last night but I thought Ben was clearly best for us. His around the ground work is improving every week. His last 2 games have been fantastic. I think this is why you cant make hasty calls on young ruckmen. They can take years to develop.His coming along very nicely.

It also appears that he is improving in his ruck work with the confidence he is getting from playing so well. I just wish we could give him some help. I think occasionally he get pushed off the ball because by the time he gets to the ruck contest he is just stuffed. Considering he rucked against 2 guys last night he was super. Keep it up Ben and then we may not have Ben isnt the answer threads.

[karnak]

Really enjoyed his game last night. I think he is an amazing competitor. He must have a MASSIVE tank.

[GeorgeYoung27]

SEN gave him BOG also and interviewed him after the game. Their commentary box had Malthouse, Lloyd and Brereton in it.

On another note Malthouse commented positively about players like Dempster, Ray, Gwilt and Jones (stating how Jones has improved his kicking over 2 years).

[Dan Warna]

Tis exciting, stevens and McEvoy seem to be coming along nicely.

Given ruckmen don't really come into their own till mid career, if he can stay injury free we are looking at a few competitive years ahead of us.

I hope we can be in the finals this year, but if the coach can get us up, we are definately competitive in 2012 again.

[BigMart]

Mcevoy has been in our best 2 over the last two weeks.....

Not sure his stats.

[stinger]

still......he ain't no cyril.

[SaintPav]

still......he ain't no cyril.

Can Cyril ruck?

[BigMart]

No, he aint no cyril......cyril is a premiership player, and future elite mid......rated internally at hawthorn as their 4th best player...but do try again....

Ben is going to be a good ruckman, albeit slowish.....very solid, will get better.....he is currently C-grade, will be a B-Grader.....Possibly better

Like armitage.....was not the best draft decision, but not a bad one either....both were percentage decisions....

[stinger]

No, he aint no cyril......cyril is a premiership player, and future elite mid......rated internally at hawthorn as their 4th best player...but do try again....

Ben is going to be a good ruckman, albeit slowish.....very solid, will get better.....he is currently C-grade, will be a B-Grader.....Possibly better

Like armitage.....was not the best draft decision, but not a bad one either....both were percentage decisions....

it was a bit tongue in cheek big mart...knew i would get a reaction though....

[stkildathunda]

Mcevoy has been in our best 2 over the last two weeks.....

Not sure his stats.

Has been superb since coming in for Kosi at Subi

Round 10: 14 disposals (9 contested), 28 hitouts, 7 tackles, 5 one %'s, 3 marks and went at 71 % effiecncy

Round 11: 22 Disposals (12 Contested), 30 hitouts, 7 tackles, 9 marks and he went at 78% efficiency

Round 12: 12 Disposals (10 contested), 23 hitouts, 5 tackles, 6 marks (4 contested), 1 goal and went at 82% effiency

[Bernard Shakey]

Ben's coming along in leaps and bounds. Strangely seems to perform better when he has no backup, takes on the responsibility and produces the goods.

[plugger66]

Ben's coming along in leaps and bounds. Strangely seems to perform better when he has no backup, takes on the responsibility and produces the goods.

You really do like your music dont you?

[Bernard Shakey]

Ben's coming along in leaps and bounds. Strangely seems to perform better when he has no backup, takes on the responsibility and produces the goods.

You really do like your music dont you?

That did cross my mind as I was typing.

[stkildathunda]

Ben's coming along in leaps and bounds. Strangely seems to perform better when he has no backup, takes on the responsibility and produces the goods.

Cant remember what article this is from but its from a interview with Macca and think it highlights why he is better by himself. I reckon we just need to find someone to help him out for 10-15% of the game.

Im not one of the stronger-bodied ruckmen going around. I don't think that's ever going to be my strength, but I've come a long way. I don't feel like that wiry little kid any more. He sees himself as following the Dean Cox model of ruckmen.

In the modern game, you need that versatility and you have to be able to get after the knacker, not just be involved in the ruck contest. I'm quite strong aerobically. Ive got a pretty big tank. Ive got to get better at utilising that, but I can mark the ball pretty well, Ive played forward a lot. I need to capitalise on that.

[rexy]

I think McEvoy and Armitage would both be top 5 in the B&F at this stage of the year! Only thing I cant work out is why he got dropped for the week?

[plugger66]

I think McEvoy and Armitage would both be top 5 in the B&F at this stage of the year! Only thing I cant work out is why he got dropped for the week?

Because Kosi is a better ruckman.

[rexy]

I think McEvoy and Armitage would both be top 5 in the B&F at this stage of the year! Only thing I cant work out is why he got dropped for the week?

Because Kosi is a better ruckman.

I havent seen evidence of that this year?

[Junction Oval]

As many have said, keep playing the young guys and the experience will be of huge benefit.

With limited experience, Ben's marking and contesting around the ground has been impressive. His ruck work has been woeful, but it will take time (can't hold my breath too much longer). I am sensing that it is definitely on the improve over the last couple of games - needs to accelerate now.

[thejiggingsaint]

When Aussie Jones gave it away, I contemplated taking the No 5 off my Saints jumper......Am I glad I kept it!!!!!!! GO the big Ben!!!!!!!!!
21 and still learning his trade! A future All-Australian and club captain! NOW...if ONLY we could shave ten years off Lenny Hayes' age...imagine those centre bounces, imagine the fear of our opponents facing up to Lenny and Big Ben!!!

[maverick]

No, he aint no cyril......cyril is a premiership player, and future elite mid......rated internally at hawthorn as their 4th best player...but do try again....

Ben is going to be a good ruckman, albeit slowish.....very solid, will get better.....he is currently C-grade, will be a B-Grader.....Possibly better

Like armitage.....was not the best draft decision, but not a bad one either....both were percentage decisions....

Cyril will never play as a fully fledged mid, his body isn't up to it.

[Middo]

It seems I may have been a one out last night but I thought Ben was clearly best for us. His around the ground work is improving every week. His last 2 games have been fantastic. I think this is why you cant make hasty calls on young ruckmen. They can take years to develop.His coming along very nicely.

It also appears that he is improving in his ruck work with the confidence he is getting from playing so well. I just wish we could give him some help. I think occasionally he get pushed off the ball because by the time he gets to the ruck contest he is just stuffed. Considering he rucked against 2 guys last night he was super. Keep it up Ben and then we may not have Ben isnt the answer threads.

Watched his hitouts last night and I think it's slowly coming the way he's starting to get his hand on the ball first , some really good taps to steven at the centre ball ups..

[SainterK]

Maybe I am one of the posters who is perceived as a bit harder on Ben?

I think his selection as sole ruckman at the moment, has much to do with the work he can given you around the ground and at ground level, and that Ross has given up on our chance of having an ascedency in the middle at the moment.

He is effectively a overgrown midfielder expected to apply pressure and help cause a turnover.

I also really rate a good tap ruckman, who gives mids a lot of first use of the ball.

Perhaps that around the ground work wouldn't be so emphasised, if our mids were in possession of the ball more often?

[battye]

It seems I may have been a one out last night but I thought Ben was clearly best for us. His around the ground work is improving every week. His last 2 games have been fantastic. I think this is why you cant make hasty calls on young ruckmen. They can take years to develop.His coming along very nicely.

It also appears that he is improving in his ruck work with the confidence he is getting from playing so well. I just wish we could give him some help. I think occasionally he get pushed off the ball because by the time he gets to the ruck contest he is just stuffed. Considering he rucked against 2 guys last night he was super. Keep it up Ben and then we may not have Ben isnt the answer threads.

Watched his hitouts last night and I think it's slowly coming the way he's starting to get his hand on the ball first , some really good taps to steven at the centre ball ups..

I noticed that too. It's the first time I remember seeing some genuine hit outs to advantage from McEvoy and it was great to see.

At one point he really leapt in to the air and palmed it down, that was beautiful to watch. It surprises me ruckmen in general don't do it that way more often to be honest.

[Enrico_Misso]

I'm really impressed with the contested marks he takes.
And he is a very reliable goal-kicker.

[MC Gusto]

I'm really impressed with the contested marks he takes.
And he is a very reliable goal-kicker.

yes to marks no to goals

but i rate big boy mcevoy highly and mart he is easily b grade already. c grade is harsh on the bloke and understates his current performance and importance to the team.