Michael Evans in 2014

[Bang Bang Bang 5,548]

Not in best 22, will get games later in the year when injuries hit. Run-of-the-mill depth player.

[ThreeOneSix 953]

With the addition of Michie, Tyson, pick 9 and possibly Vince, what do you think this means for Michael Evans?

He's showed quite a bit in his limited AFL opportunities, but injuries have prevented him from really stringing together multiple games in a row. He's played 13 games in 3 years and has mostly been used through the midfield.

I really rate Evans, and I'd say that when fit he's in our best 22. I'd like to see Roos play him as a small forward with short bursts in the middle. He's shown that he can kick goals (3 in a quarter against GWS earlier this year), and I think that he could be the small forward that we're looking for.

Thoughts?

It's not a bad thing that blokes like Tyson, Michie and Vince come in and are expected to gain a spot.

This means that Evans will simply have to work hard - as Evans has had to do all his career.

Evans looks to have the potential, so combined with his hard work, if Evans can solidify a position in the midfield - we will see the best Evans.

It really goes for all the younger brigade trying to establish themselves as midfielders, as our midfield gets better - these youngsters will have to do the same if they want a spot.

That is the advantage of bringing in Vince, forget about the pick we given up for him, the benefits outweigh that as players will have to list.

It's one position that McKenzie and co will simply have to work much harder if they want their spot.

Ross Lyon obviously pushed Crowley to work hard if he wanted a spot in Freo's midfield - and Roos will do the same with the Dees.

[InVINCEable 358]

He was a good pick up for a second round rookie selection back in 2011.

[rpfc 27,633]

He will play games.

I mean, we got net 2 more midfielders, both with less experience than Evans...

Better pedigrees though.

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,078]

Not in our best 22? He kicked three goals against GWS - get back to me when Bail, Nicho, Tappie, and a few other running types do the same.

Edited October 20, 2013 by Norm Smith's Curse

[Hannibal 5,814]

Not in our best 22? He kicked three goals against GWS...

So did Shannon Byrnes.

Big deal.

[P-man 13,276]

He will play games.

I mean, we got net 2 more midfielders, both with less experience than Evans...

Better pedigrees though.

Currently. Could be 4 or 5 net gained by the end of the trade period.

I like Pickles because he seems determined to get the best out of himself. How good he can be I'm not sure. He'll firstly need to stop butchering the ball so often.

[1858 224]

Ok so now that our list is set what are people's thoughts on Evans this year?

Will he be prominent or just depth and can he get a gig up forward or is that shot with JKH, Byrnes and co and midfield his only option?

From most of the training reports he hasn't stuck out at all but that doesn't necessarily mean anything I guess.

[Ted Lasso 17,084]

I think Evans has some ability, I reckon he is just the right type of fringe player to have, works hard and will keep banging on the door

still believe he is ahead of guys like Tapscott, Barry, Strauss, Byrnes and co

[Redleg 38,016]

He is a player I thought could really kick on, he needs to do it soon.

[old dee 22,980]

He is a player I thought could really kick on, he needs to do it soon.

This year Redleg or I will get off.

Have the fingers crossed.

[monoccular 16,381]

He is a player I thought could really kick on, he needs to do it soon.

Needs to get on the field and stay on the field. He has looked pretty solid every (few) times I have seen him. I don't recall him ever being dropped.

Another victim of the Norm Smith curse?

[hells bells 2,023]

For some reason I really rate him. I'd have him before Bail, Nicholson, Barry, Byrnes. If he could stitch half a dozen good games together I think his confidence would improve and he could go up a level performance wise.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

I certainly hope he does well I've been a supporter of his from the get go; I reckon he's got a heap of talent.

[old dee 22,980]

For some reason I really rate him. I'd have him before Bail, Nicholson, Barry, Byrnes. If he could stitch half a dozen good games together I think his confidence would improve and he could go up a level performance wise.

He would want to in front of that lot h b

Three of the four are destined to be elsewhere in 2015 IMO

[hells bells 2,023]

True old dee.

[olisik 4,060]

I would have Evans on par with Mitchie at the moment. Can damage opponents when his game is on. Works hard defensively to.

[Return to Glory 7,787]

I am a fan. Michael just needs a fair run from the injury gods.

He is part of the solution, not the problem

I'm a big wrap for Michael Evans and agree with much of the sentiment re in our best 22 (when right). We can break down his various physical strengths and weaknesses but what stands out is that he has great nous IMO.

[Maldonboy38 6,028]

I have always thought he had some real talent and still hold this view, but it looks like his body cannot hold up to the rigors of AFL footy. Because of all his injuries he is probably behind a few players, but he is ahead of Michie and Tappy.

He is probably alongside Blease and Bail for that running forward type player.

[Moonshadow 16,385]

Like the look of him but hasn't played anywhere near enough games to show his ability and has been hit with injuries (a familiar theme amongst our list). Needs to show his value soon. When's his contract up?

[old dee 22,980]

Like the look of him but hasn't played anywhere near enough games to show his ability and has been hit with injuries (a familiar theme amongst our list). Needs to show his value soon. When's his contract up?

This year 22 games to prove he is worth a spot.

[Thehardtackler 785]

Of course he makes our best 22. Remember that in the modern game you have to rotate your players from week to week. He also breaks lines with his pace, much like Blease does. Lewis Jetta is the kind of player that you hope Evans could become.

[SaberFang 7,141]

I like this kid a lot. Didn't he really stand up in that GWS win last year? I thought he kicked 3 goals which says something about confidence and accuracy.

[old dee 22,980]

I have always thought he had some real talent and still hold this view, but it looks like his body cannot hold up to the rigors of AFL footy. Because of all his injuries he is probably behind a few players, but he is ahead of Michie and Tappy.

He is probably alongside Blease and Bail for that running forward type player.

I think he is better than the four you have mentioned Maldonboy

[monoccular 16,381]

This year 22 games to prove he is worth a spot.

We need some optimists here - make that 25 games !!