The 18-year-old has pledged his services to his home club after a breakout season that included 11 senior games and finals with Mooroopna’s thirds, but will also be gunning to impress under Saints’ VFL mentor Brendan Goddard when their pre-season begins on November 17.
The dynamic left-footer put his name up in lights in a talent-laden APS football competition, starring for Scotch College before going on to make his Coates Talent League debut with Oakleigh Chargers.
It’s been a breakout season on all fronts for Evans, who said he’d relish the opportunity to continue his development.
“I’m very excited,” Evans said.
“I’m looking forward to developing myself against grown men now, which is good experience.
“Next year (the goal is) to just keep developing and hopefully get a couple of games.
“If not, I’ll come back and play for Mooroopna which will be good.”
Alongside fellow Goulburn Valley stars Riley Onley and Tanner Armstrong, Evans booted seven goals to be named in Scotch’s best players in five out of the 10 games he played.
Playing as a high half-forward and on the wing, he credits the quality of his opponents and growing self-belief as the driving forces behind his impressive form.
“I played in the First XVIII and really developed a lot,” he said.
“It's a good environment playing for your school and (in front of) big crowds usually, so that's exciting.
“Obviously, it’s a very good standard against a lot of kids that will go and get drafted or play VFL, so it's good to come up against them.
“To get my debut at Oakleigh helped with my development and gaining a bit more confidence in myself and my ability.
“It was pretty exciting as well to make my senior debut for Mooroopna, playing a grand final in the under-18s and getting back to play with my friends from home.”
Also excelling as a hurdler for his school, Evans has successfully balanced his studies and sports commitments while travelling between Melbourne and the Shepparton area, when not boarding at Scotch.
However, Evans and his family faced adversity when they lost the family home to fire in June, which sparked an outpouring of community support for the young footballer's family.
“It’s good that a lot of people down here and at home really supported my family and me, and that really helped,” he said.
When not vying to make his VFL debut, Evans will suit up in Mooroopna’s 150th-season commemorative jumper, with the Cats re-signing 50 members of its playing squad for the milestone year.
