When drafted to St Kilda as the Club’s first round pick in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, Ben McEvoy had a big adjustment to make by moving from his family farm in Dederang, north-eastern Victoria to the heart of Melbourne.

“It was pretty tough initially; I was always, and still am, a bit of a country boy. So it was tough being a long way from home. But I have a fair bit of family in Melbourne and was set up with a great host family when I arrived so that made it as easy as possible.”

Due to the distance, McEvoy who now lives with his brother, struggles to get home regularly but says he still gets great support from his family and manages to see his parents regularly.

“It’s a bit far to get home very often. Even when we have weekends off it is a bit too far to get back, but during the mid season break as well as during the off season around Christmas time I try to get back when I can.”

“Mum and dad come to most of my games in Melbourne. Whether it is AFL or VFL they like to come and watch me play.”

Playing for TAC Cup side Murray Bushrangers, McEvoy walked a similar path paved by some of the older ‘big men’ at the Saints including Justin Koschitzke and Steven King. But McEvoy admits; “They both played there well before my time.”

Being part of the AIS AFL Academy program before he was drafted to the Saints, McEvoy says this was a great way to prepare for the rigors of AFL football.

“I thought it was quite an exceptional program, and was really well put together. Just getting those professional experiences were invaluable. I spent a week at an AFL Club when I was 16 so it just got me used to what it was about and certainly helped my preparation.”

“Having been in that team environment, travelling and going away together, was also really important.”

With 2009 seen as a ‘break out’ year for the young ruckman who played 11 senior games throughout the Home and Away season, McEvoy was determined not to think too far ahead of himself coming into this season.

“I never focused too much on playing senior games. This year was really just about getting a good pre-season in, it was the first full pre season I have managed so far at the Club. I was able to get as fit as possible, and then work towards games from there.”

“Really I just take it week-by-week. Obviously I want to be in the team each week, so I just do what I can to make sure I can have the best opportunity to play with the group.”

With the highly experienced Michael Gardiner and Steven King as his mentors, Ben admits he is lucky to work so closely with the two veterans.

“We haven’t had a dedicated ruck coach here so both King and Gardiner have been really good for me. Gardiner has been a real inspiration on the field, just playing with him and watching him, and King really helps me off the field.”

“I go through my tapes with King and also work with him on some extra training. He is exceptional at what he does and he has really gone out of his way to help me, which has been fantastic.”

Having only played six senior games so far this season, King has taken on the added role of coaching and assisting some of the younger players including McEvoy and Rhys Stanley.

“He (King) certainly takes that mentor type role with me as well as some of the other young guys and it is a real credit to him the way he goes out of his way to help us” Ben said.

Kicking the equaliser goal in the Saints’ Round 17 draw against Hawthorn just two weeks ago was a new experience for McEvoy, who was surprised at the extra attention it seemed to bring.

“It was definitely a new experience for me. I think it was the first draw I have ever played in, and it was a real unique situation. I suppose it was a game I will always remember.”

“After that game I started getting a bit more attention (from supporters). I’ve never really had much before, but after that match it was a fairly swift change actually. It has already died down a bit now but it was quite funny when it happened.”

With four goals to his name so far this season, Ben hopes to become another scoring outlet for the team and doesn’t underestimate the importance of being an adaptable player across the ground.

“I am always working on trying to be as flexible as possible. In today’s game, if you can add that extra string to your bow then it really helps you. I think it is a strength of mine to be able to do that, so I’ll continue to keep working on it.”