Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy admits the prospect of taking on West Coasts one-two punch of Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett by himself this week is daunting and he would welcome a back-up ruckman to help him out.
Naitanui and Lycett are ranked 10 and 12 respectively in the AFL for hitouts this year, making West Coast the only team with two ruckmen in the top 12.
Ben McEvoy will come up against the Eagles combo of Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett.
Photo: Wayne Taylor
The ladder-leading Eagles are unique in that they play two recognised ruckmen in the same side in an era where the vast majority of teams go in with one ruck and a makeshift second ruck.
However, forgotten Hawks big man Jon Ceglar has played three games in the VFL and is building towards his first senior game since injuring his knee in late 2016.
“It is a bit of daunting task looking at their (West Coasts) line-up on your own,” McEvoy said at Waverley on Tuesday.
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“Certainly he (Ceglar) played really well last week, so its awesome for him. Its been a pretty tough 18 months, so its great for him to see him back up and about.”
McEvoy has played his best footy in recent years as the Hawks one-out ruckman and admitted that scenario made his job easier, but the dual premiership 28-year-old wouldnt complain if the match committee picked Ceglar.
“It (playing as the Hawks sole ruckman) makes my role a little clearer whereas it can be hard switching between forward and ruck,” McEvoy said.
“Im open to whatevers going to be best for the team … Certainly we could make two (rucks) work.”
Naitanui has been one of the driving forces behind West Coasts surprising surge to top spot on the ladder and McEvoy described the challenge the superstar Eagle presented as very unique.
“Hes got such an arsenal of weaponry as far as physical talents – speed and jump and strength and everything – but its a challenge I look forward to as well,” he said.
After starting the year 5-2 and sitting in the top four after seven rounds, the Hawks have lost their last two matches to slip outside the top eight.
In all theyve lost three of their last five games, including their most disappointing effort of the year, which came on the weekend in the form of a 56-point defeat to previously winless Brisbane.
McEvoy conceded that making so many changes to the line-up ahead of the Brisbane game (six all up) may have played a part in the stunning loss.
“I think that adds to challenges. Ideally when youre in really good form as a team youve probably got good continuity, so six changes is a fair bit, but that happens sometimes with injuries and form so thats just something you have to deal with as well,” he said.
“I suppose there is that bit less chemistry if theres lots of changes, so certainly weve still got a group that hasnt played a lot of footy together so theres that element, but were certainly making no excuse on that front.”
McEvoy said the teams form was concerning and that it was hard to put his finger on why theyre experiencing a slump after such a bright start.
But the former Saint wasnt discounting Hawthorn from premiership calculations just yet.
“We always try to give ourselves a chance to get a hold of silverware at the end of the year,” McEvoy said.
“This time last year, Richmond were 5-4 and won the flag so while our performances in the last few weeks have certainly been sub-par, weve still got high expectations.
“Were not counting anything out at all, but we also know weve got to make some serious improvements.”
McEvoy expected Jaeger OMeara to be available for selection this week after the former Sun missed the Lions match due to a calf injury.
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Ronny Lerner is a Sports reporter for The Age.
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