Francis Evans has claimed the final list spot at Carlton for 2025, edging out four other candidates for the vacancy to join his third AFL club in four years.
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The 23-year-old skyrocketed into contention earlier this month for a contract, after initially signing for the club’s VFL side in December last year.
With other train-on players Liam McMahon, Denver Grainger-Barras, Will White and Ethan Phillips set to miss out on the vacancy, Carlton confirmed on Thursday evening that Evans was the lucky player to gain an AFL lifeline as a Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) player.
In a club statement, Blues list manager Nick Austin welcomed the Brunswick product with open arms just two weeks out of the start of the 2025 season.
“Francis is a resilient person and player: his immense professionalism, dedication and hard work he has put in to make his way back to the highest level is really impressive. He’s a great example for those coming through the system,” Austin said.
“Francis is a true competitor, his attack on the ball and ability to do anything and everything that‘s required for the team have all been crucial to seeing him earn his spot back on an AFL list.
“He is a talented small forward who will really complement our current group, so we are excited to see his growth and development across the season.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer him another opportunity in the AFL and know he will fit in seamlessly here at Carlton.”
Evans comes with 34 games of AFL experience, including the last 11 games of Port Adelaide’s 2024 campaign at AFL level. The small forward was at Alberton for two years, and also played seven games for Geelong the two years prior.
“He is someone who has earned respect in football circles for the way he has fought his way to the elite level through sheer hard work. He’s a competitor, which we love, and he’s also got a clear eye for goal,” Carlton’s VFL senior coach Luke Power said of Evans’ signing late last year.
Evans played 11 of his 34 senior games starting as the substitute, however still managed to snag 22 goals — including a career-high four goals against then-cross-town-rivals Adelaide in 2023.
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