First Year Hawk Ready For Grand Final Clash

Nick Evans has made a name for himself in his first year at Box Hill after being selected in the senior side early on and contributing to their season’s success thus far.

In 2014 the VFL granted Evans access to play half his year with the Eastern Rangers in the TAC Cup and half the year in the VFL with the Box Hill Hawks.

After enjoying his time with Box Hill he elected to stay at the club and in 2015 was signed as a Hawk.

Evans came into this year thinking he would play the majority of his games in the development team but after a few successful stints in the seniors he was able to cement his spot as the 23rd player.

“It was a bit surprising to keep getting called up to the senior side in my first season.”

“At the beginning of the season it was my goal to play senior football and I did everything I could on and off the field to make that happen.”

Coming from TAC Cup Football into a VFL side, Evans quickly noticed the difference on the field.

“Being in a VFL side was a huge step up to what I experienced as a TAC player. It’s a much faster and highly skilled game.”

But with the help of teammates, it didn’t take Evans long to slip into the side and make his name known at the club.

“All the boys were really good in helping me with the transition into the side. They tell you where to go, where to stand and give you tips. It feels like I’ve been here forever.”

Box Hill is well-known for taking on a selfless playing style, playing for the team rather than the individual.

“The people around the club are amazing and each week you put the jumper on for them, you play for everyone around you.”

This Sunday Box Hill will finish off the season in the Grand Final clash against Williamstown.

“Im looking forward to getting out there and playing, getting that first touch and letting the nerves settle.”

There is a lot of hype around the PJVFL Grand Final and Evans has done what he can to ensure the nerves don’t get the better of him.

“I have tried to keep my week as normal as possible and not think about the game so much. I just have to keep it simple and play the game I know I can play.”

After losing by 22-points in last years Grand Final against Footscray, the Hawks are hungrier than ever and will not let anything get in their way to finish this season on top.

The Hawks have fought hard all year and in their final game at Etihad Stadium they will put everything on the line in the hopes of claiming the 2015 Peter Jackson VFL Premiership.

 

Photo Credit: Jenny Owens