FRANCIS Evans has given Geelong’s match committee an indication of his talent during Friday’s two-point practice match win over Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium.
The bolter of the 2019 National Draft, when selected with pick no.41 off the back of just two NAB League matches, Evans was an emergency on three occasions during the 2020 AFL season.
However, signs are promising for an AFL debut sometime early this year after kicking two goals against the Magpies, including one from a tackle on star defender Darcy Moore.
“He did show a bit today, and we’ve been bullish on Francis and some of the things he can do,” assistant coach Corey Enright, who looks after Geelong’s forward line, said.
“He probably had limited opportunities, particularly with last year and how the second-tier panned out.
“Some of those guys didn’t get the opportunity to put their hand up as much as we’d like.
“So, it’s great for us as a footy club that we’ve got these guys putting their hand up.”
Evans was one of several uncapped players to feature as Geelong wheeled out 29 players.
However, 2020 draftees Shannon Neale and Nick Stevens, along with Sam De Koning, Nathan Krueger and Irish rookie Stefan Okunbor didn’t appear until after half-time.
Geelong had 16 members of its grand final team play various lengths of the match. Zach Tuohy was also named but suffered back spasms in the warm-up and didn’t participate in the game.
“His back just locked up a bit, which has happened before with him,” Enright said.
“I think he was right to play, but at this stage of the pre-season, we just erred on the side of caution.”
Big-name recruits Jeremy Cameron and Shaun Higgins featured. However, former Hawthorn star Isaac Smith (rolled ankle) will have to wait until next Saturday’s AAMI Series clash with Essendon to pull on the Hoops for the first time.
Cameron kicked a goal inside the first minute of the match and played the majority of the opening half before heading to Anthony Costa Oval for a running session.
It was the first time the combination of the former Giant and reigning Coleman medallist Tom Hawkins had been on show.
“They didn’t get a huge chunk of game time together, but the things that they did together, I thought, worked really well,” Enright said.
“There’s obviously a lot to continue to build on and work with with those two.
“Jezza’s had a great start to his journey as a Geelong player and person, so we’re really excited to see what those two can do.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
