Michael Evans

[bjDee 1,249]

If every newbie gets a separate thread, then let's not overlook Evans.

Saw his first game and thought he showed great spirit, although the disposals were patchy and efficiency was poor. Didn't grab me as a great new debutant, but hey - he's made it to AFL level which is about 85 levels higher than I ever played.

But geez - hasn't this guy come on in leaps and bounds! He is taking on opponents with a real will to win. Running around the man on the mark, chasing down and tackling, disposing with centreing kicks into the forward hotspot...and only in game 3 or 4! I didn't realise how small he was until I saw him from near ground level today. But let me tell you, size is no indicator of this guy's spirit or tenacity.

Keep at it buddy and you'll go a long way.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

With guys like him I can't help but ask what the difference is between him and Valenti. I mean... is he THAT much taller? I imagine he's perhaps a bit quicker. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

[Webber 10,454]

With guys like him I can't help but ask what the difference is between him and Valenti. I mean... is he THAT much taller? I imagine he's perhaps a bit quicker. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

Looks a couple of inches taller, and a country mile quicker.....no disrespect to Shane Valenti. I was a fan.

[Maldonboy38 6,390]

Evans is playing like he belongs at AFL level. In the 3rd or 4th quarter he took on the man on the mark and ran around him. There is a confidence in him and he is a genuine team player. He will have his ups and downs and may be dropped here and there, but he is establishing a place for himself.

.

[Akum 2,660]

What I love about him & Nicho is their desire to take on their opponent for pace. It doesn't seem to occur to them that they might be brought down, they just have confidence that if they put the foot down they won't get caught. And it's unusual for such a speedy player to be so tough too. A great package, and a sensational rookie pick-up.

[titan_uranus 24,979]

With guys like him I can't help but ask what the difference is between him and Valenti. I mean... is he THAT much taller? I imagine he's perhaps a bit quicker. Maybe someone can enlighten me.

A little bit taller maybe, but a million times quicker.

No comparison, really.

[Rogue 585]

a million times quicker.

No comparison, really.

This. I liked the fact Evans found the footy a fair bit in his first game and had some dash - I thought he could have had a super debut if not for butchering the footy a bit going inside 50. Guys like Evans are the silver lining to the massive injury woes we've had, since we get some experience into young guys who wouldn't otherwise be playing AFL (and it's something for us supporters on those dark days).

[Nasher 33,607]

I thought he could have had a super debut if not for butchering the footy a bit going inside 50. Guys like Evans are the silver lining to the massive injury woes we've had, since we get some experience into young guys who wouldn't otherwise be playing AFL (and it's something for us supporters on those dark days).

He was guilty of butchery again last night too, but obviously he's young enough and inexperienced enough to be cut plenty of slack. I really like what he brings to the table though - fast, finds the ball (good trick to have) and works hard. If he can sort out his delivery by foot then he'll be a real find.

[Rogue 585]

He was guilty of butchery again last night too, but obviously he's young enough and inexperienced enough to be cut plenty of slack. I really like what he brings to the table though - fast, finds the ball (good trick to have) and works hard. If he can sort out his delivery by foot then he'll be a real find.

Indeed. It's not so bad to temper expectations at times, although I deliberately didn't post about him after his debut

[Guest milpod]

He was guilty of butchery again last night too, but obviously he's young enough and inexperienced enough to be cut plenty of slack. I really like what he brings to the table though - fast, finds the ball (good trick to have) and works hard. If he can sort out his delivery by foot then he'll be a real find.

Agreed.Still settling to the pace of AFL.Sometimes he has more time then he realizes,because of his pace.

Edited June 4, 2011 by milpod