Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy will retire from the game at the end of the 2022 season.
The 33-year-old hangs up the boots after 15 years in the AFL, a career that spanned across stints with St Kilda and Hawthorn.
McEvoy was drafted to the Saints through the 2007 National Draft as the ninth overall selection, making his debut in Round 13 against Fremantle the following year.
The Colbinabbin product played 91 games for the Saints from 2008-2013 before venturing to Hawthorn in a trade that included Shane Savage and the Hawks' first-round selection.
Across his opening two seasons in brown and gold, McEvoy played an integral role in the club's premiership seasons.
In 2021, McEvoy was handed the club's captaincy, a role that was extended into this season.
โI have an enormous amount to be grateful for across my whole journey,โ McEvoy said in a club statement.
โFootball can be a selfish existence at times, and I am incredibly thankful for the unconditional support I have had from my family.
โI also want to thank my teammates, coaches, fitness staff, volunteers, and supporters, who have all contributed to me being able to perform at my best.
โI feel very privileged to have played out the career I have and still pinch myself as to how fortunate I have been.โ
McEvoy's final season has been riddled with injury, with a fractured neck seeing the two-metre-tall ruckman sidelined for over three months.
Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney lauded McEvoy's impact on the club in his eight seasons at Waverley.
โBen has made an enormous contribution during his nine years at Hawthorn,โ McCartney said.
โA premiership player in 2014 and 2015, Benโs ability to be among our most consistent performers across the journey has been quite remarkable.
"He will be remembered as a player who had a strong desire to compete.
"More importantly, Ben has always been totally selfless in nature, always willing to put the team in front of any individual benefit.
"I have no doubt through deeds and actions Ben has left the number 7 in a better place than when he received it.
โHe will be remembered among Hawthornโs greats, and we look forward to celebrating his final two games in the brown and gold.โ
Hawks are scheduled for upcoming matches against Richmond and the Bulldogs in the final two games of the season, which are likely to be McEvoy's final two games of his career.
Should the veteran play in each game, his career tally will sit at 252 games as he calls time on his career.
