Hawthorn ruckman Ned Reeves didn't need too many tricks up his sleeve in order to stand out in front of AFL talent scouts.
The biggest kid in the yard rarely does.
But the 209cm prospect -- Hawthorn's tallest-ever player -- is all ears to the tips offered by Collingwood premiership hero and Hawks ruck coach Damian Monkhorst as he attempts to cement his spot at the top level.
Hawthorn co-captain Ben McEvoy is also putting his time on the sidelines with a neck injury to good use, nurturing his inexperienced teammate's ruck craft.
"Monkey is hilarious but he's very smart, smarter than people give him credit for, and Big Boy (McEvoy) is a genius footy-wise," Reeves said.
"Being a smaller ruckman his whole career, he's had to learn a whole lot of tricks that I probably haven't needed to growing up, just because I've had that extra height.
"I'm starting to utilise some of his skills and little tricks."
Reeves' nous will be put to the test when he takes on Geelong veteran Rhys Stanley in the annual Easter Monday blockbuster at the MCG.
It will be the 23-year-old's 10th senior game after he was first handed a rookie-list spot three years ago via the pre-season supplemental period.
"I'm feeling more comfortable every week," Reeves said.
"Once you're at 10 games you can't really say you're new anymore.
"The next step for me is being able to hold my form and make sure I'm doing a lot of the team things right.
"Until now it's been mostly just really focusing on my own role, focusing on the ruck battle, and fighting and wrestling.
"Now I need to hold the standard with that and help the team offensively and defensively."
Hawthorn sprung a selection surprise when they dropped James Worpel, with Daniel Howe and Finn Maginness also axed after the St Kilda loss.
Liam Shiels, Jacob Koschitzke and Tom Phillips all return.
Geelong have regained star duo Joel Selwood and Tom Stewart after the pair missed the round-four win over Brisbane.
Reeves is one of a handful of Hawks who have never featured in the standalone Easter Monday fixture.
"It's a big game for us as a club," Reeves said.
"I've been to a few just as a punter, so I'm excited."
