FOR as long as Francis Evans’ AFL career lasts, he will always be known as the bolter in the 2019 National Draft.
The little known forward from VAFA club Brunswick-NOBS, who played just six quarters of NAB League action with the Calder Cannons, will wear No.31 for Geelong after being drafted with selection No.41.
However, it’s a tag he has been quick to move on from.
“I’ve personally already forgotten about it,” Evans said.
“I think, “I’m here now, the name doesn’t really matter”.
“I’ve still got a lot to prove, obviously, but we all have the same opportunity.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re pick one or last pick.”
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The 182cm forward admits his lack of size may have counted against him being talent identified earlier than what he was.
“I was a pretty late developer physically,” Evans said. “I shot up last year and this year; I put on a fair bit of size over the summer.
“And I didn’t really get the opportunity. But it doesn’t worry me. I’m still here.
“It doesn’t matter how you get there, as long as you get there.”
Evans was aware of Geelong’s interest but was expecting to have to wait until last Friday’s rookie draft for confirmation he’d be earing the Hoops in 2020.
“I was expecting not to go so early, but it was a good shock when I did,” he said.
“I kind of had a good idea that it was going to happen, but we just weren’t sure when. So, I was over the moon to get picked up on the Thursday.”
Evans believes having former Tom Lonergan as the Talent Manager at Calder didn’t hurt his chances, even after heel surgery ended his season in June.
“I obviously had a bit of a different year, but even at the Cannons he was really helpful, and I think he was working with Geelong a bit,” he said.
“I can’t thank him enough.”
