SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Ben McEvoy of the Hawks runs onto the field during the round 23 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 25, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy will continue his leadership reign after being retained as captain at Bunjil Bagora (Waverley Park) for the 2022 AFL season.
Having played eight seasons in a brown and gold guernsey, the 32-year-old is inarguably one of the most experienced members of Sam Mitchell's kettle of young Hawks.
And with a pair of premiership medallions already to his name, the former first-round draftee has a wealth of knowledge to impart in regards to reaching the game's summit.
Speaking to the club's media department after being voted to stay on as skipper, the former Saint expressed pride in being kept on in the prestigious position once held by the likes of Hodge, Matthews and Kennedy.
“I feel extremely proud to be trusted by my peers and given the opportunity to lead this great club again in 2022,” McEvoy told hawthornfc.com.au.
The much loved tall who is offered referred to colloquially as 'Big Boy' also explained that the levels of support he had both on and off the field were crucial to his success.
“While last season presented its own obstacles, I was very grateful for the support I received from the leadership group, the players and the entire club during my first year as skipper," Mcevoy continued.
“I would also like to thank my wife Nicky, and our kids Angus, Moira and Clancy who were pillars of support during my first year as captain, and who continue to challenge and inspire me every day.
“I have been presented with so many incredible opportunities across my time in the brown and gold, and to lead the club once again in 2022 is an absolute privilege."
McEvoy went on to express that irrespective of views that his rebuilding side was set to struggle this season, there was a buoyant mood within the camp.
“As a playing group, we have been working hard this pre-season to improve and we're excited about meeting the challenge of the season ahead," the country Victorian continued.
"We can’t wait to return to our beloved ‘G and UTAS Stadium and see the Hawthorn faithful cheering loud and proud in 2022.”
Outgoing president Jeff Kennett acted as a club mouthpiece and explained why the club's 37th captain was the perfect candidate to continue ushering in the future.
“The club is extremely proud of the way Ben led our playing group in 2021, particularly when faced with another challenging and sporadic year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” the ex-premier stated.
“With or without the title, Ben is an unspoken leader that is admired by the entire playing group and football department staff – consistently taking a club-first approach with his core values and good character at the forefront.
“From our members to our players and staff, everyone is thrilled to call him our skipper for another season and I can’t wait to see him lead the team out onto the field again this year.”
McEvoy played 91 games after being drafted by St Kilda prior to the 2008 season and has added another 153 after making the journey up Wellington Road from Moorabbin.
Should a clear run with injury eventuate this autumn, the Murray Bushrangers product will make his 250th AFL appearance when Hawthorn face Sydney in Round 6 on Anzac Day.