THE CARLTON Reserves have made their second acquisition of the off-season, officially securing Francis Evans to the football club.

With 34 games of AFL experience, Evans featured at the elite level for originally Geelong and then Port Adelaide as a small forward.

Featuring in 17 matches for Port this year including three finals, Evans prides himself on the pressure side of the game and brings leadership and big-game experience to the VFL Blues.

Returning very close to home, Evans was originally recruited to the Cats after just two games for the Calder Cannons, having been a star for Brunswick in the VAFA.

Following two years at the Cattery, Evans played a further two seasons at Alberton, with his best performance seeing him produce a four-goal haul - in a Showdown no less - in Round 20 of 2023.

He played the last 11 games of the 2024 campaign at AFL level.

At 182cm, Evans offers a dual threat as a small forward in that he’s dangerous at ground level but also strong overhead, while his work rate up the ground makes him a highly regarded teammate.

Carlton Reserves Senior Coach Luke Power said, in addition to Ethan Phillips last week, Evans was a key acquisition as the VFL Blues’ 2025 continues to take shape.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Francis to IKON Park as part of our VFL program for 2025,” Power said.

“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.

“We’ve lost some experience in our VFL forward line in recent years, but Francis delivers that in spades. From a VFL perspective, having him set the example for our younger AFL and VFL-listed forwards alongside Liam McMahon and the like is something we see as a really vital asset.

“We’re really excited to have him as part of the fold. He’s already settled in nicely amongst our playing group and we can’t wait to see what he can produce for us next season.”