TOM Hickey played the role of second ruckman throughout the 2013 season and began to look comfortable at the AFL level towards the end of the season.
The pivotal moment in his season came against Sydney in Round 21 when he was handed the sole ruck duties after Ben McEvoy was subbed off in the third term.
Hickey relished the responsibility, going head-to-head with Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke and holding his own. This performance gave him the confidence that he could be a valuable contributor at the senior level.
He collected a career-best 17 touches the following week against Gold Coast and never looked back.
Midfield coach Dean Laidley:
"Tommy came to us from Gold Coast and struggled early due to injuries and body management which restricted him. Once he got that right and began to train more regular and pain-free he started to play some good footy.
He’s an especially good tap ruckman and he also improved his contested marking which was an asset to him in the last couple of rounds this year. He’s a player of the future."
STATS CENTRAL:
- 2nd at St Kilda for total hit outs
Saints in review tomorrow: Jack Steven, Clint Jones, Jordan Staley
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32
