Ben McEvoy around the ground

[dcstkfc]

Is pure quality. He is awfully slow yet always has time. It is a paradox but speaks volumes for his composure, vision and ability to keep his feet. Such a good contested mark, his ability to mop up in defence and in the midfield makes a huge difference.

Still vulnerable in ruck contests but improving, I predict a 250+ game career.

[bigcarl]

very smart player.

[SainterK]

I have a genuine question.

His tap work close to goal was truly sublime.

At least three times he hit the ball to a mid in space who goaled, looked like a set play.

Why can't he replicate that in the centre square?

[ShanghaiSaint]

god he was great down back last week....

[dcstkfc]

I have a genuine question.

His tap work close to goal was truly sublime.

At least three times he hit the ball to a mid in space who goaled, looked like a set play.

Why can't he replicate that in the centre square?

Perhaps other ruckmen get more momentum at ball-ups with superior pace?

[bigred]

He's not actually that slow.

And he is reliable in the air and below his knees.

His weakness appears to be the actual ruckwork, but he is most definitely improving, despite the stats saying he is getting pantsed.

[bigcarl]

I have a genuine question.

His tap work close to goal was truly sublime.

At least three times he hit the ball to a mid in space who goaled, looked like a set play.

Why can't he replicate that in the centre square?

Because he can use his body more rather than just leap at it

[battye]

I think his timing is off at the ruck contests. He always seems to be about half a second too quick to jump, such that he's on the way down by the time the ball reaches the point where the other ruckmans hands are. He looks better at boundary throw ins and to a lesser extend bounces around the ground where he can use his body more than his flight.

[mildurasaint]

Had more hitouts tonight than Hudson which is above where he has been in the past. Gets involved in general play which is more than some other ruckmen who dominate the hitouts.

[dragit]

He's not actually that slow.

And he is reliable in the air and below his knees.

His weakness appears to be the actual ruckwork, but he is most definitely improving, despite the stats saying he is getting pantsed.

I think he is in the top few for endurance running at the club, so has a massive tank…

[mad saint guy]

Generally he doesn't get a whole lot of taps, but he wins just as many decisive contests as anyone. Tonight his ruckwork was very good; for once he could jump higher than his opponent. Two beautiful taps tonight directly resulting in goals.

[saintsRrising]

Still vulnerable in ruck contests but improving, .

Though tonight was one of his best with 35 HOs (most in the game) with two setting up goals (Joey and Armo).

Saints also won the total HO's which is rare. 44 to 38.

[Dave McNamara]

I think his timing is off at the ruck contests. He always seems to be about half a second too quick to jump, such that he's on the way down by the time the ball reaches the point where the other ruckmans hands are. He looks better at boundary throw ins and to a lesser extend bounces around the ground where he can use his body more than his flight.

Agreed battye.

I also thought that as the game progressed Ben got better in the ruck. Early on was getting badly beaten in the taps, but by game's end he was actually jumping higher than his opposing ruckmen... maybe that sore knee came good???

[desertsaint]

Saw a beautiful centre bounce tap by him tonight. Found dal streaming through perfectly.
Unfortunately dal ran straight into a lions player - turnover - lions go on to goal a few seconds later.

[SaintSimmo]

I really like how Watters is pushing Ben into the backline at times to cover for our lack of talls defenders.

Takes some great pack marks and good in general play...also a magnificent kick for goal.

Still not sold on his rucking ability however he did ruck very well tonight.

[Rosco]

was good at ground level and also a nice big sidestep on their ruck for an inside 50 to armo & goal. loved his work.

[St Ick]

Was in our top handful tonight. He did really well considering Hudson started so well and Merrett tried to kill him at every opportunity. He set up two goals with a great sidestep (Gilbert & Armo) and two more through his ruckwork. Contested marking is as solid as anyones. Him, Hayes and Milne are our barometers.

[Eastern]

I think we are all trying to say that Ben is an old fashioned FOLLOWER 1st and a RUCKMAN 2nd. He's only 23 so his ruck skills will continue to improve. I don't think he is anywhere near as good as he could be/will be yet. That will occur in 2014-15. And by then I think he'll be a ripper !!

[plugger66]

Who would have guessed that a ruckman takes time. The guy continues to improve. He is a very good player. Do we want a tap ot to 50/50 or a player who gets around the ground and cuts off supply to the opposition. I will go with second option.

[Old Mate]

Was slaughtered at the start then his endurance ability paid off with Hudson gassing. Did well around the ground and got his hand to the ball. A couple of good taps.

[mick13]

One of our best pack marks as well. Hopefully he can build on last night. Will be great once he and Stanley are fit and firing together.

[saintDal]

Set up at least 3 goals that I can remember in two great taps to Joey and Armo and showing great composure to set up Gilbert running towards goals.

[Winmar]

A lot of ruckmen don't really come good until they're 24+, so Ben's already doing very well. He'll need to improve his ruckwork, but he's become an invaluable player.