MIDFIELDER Michael Evans says he will realise a life-long ambition this Saturday, when he makes his AFL debut against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
The rookie said he was “over the moon” about being given the opportunity to play for Melbourne.
He gained the call-up after some outstanding form for Casey and replaced the injured Jake Spencer, who has been placed on the long-term injury list.
Evans said he found out he would be debuting on Thursday.
“I found out yesterday. Bails had a chat to me and I’m over the world,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so I manage to get the opportunity and I can’t wait.”
The Western Australian was claimed at No. 31 in last December’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft. He slipped through, largely because of an injury-interrupted junior career, as he explains.
“Since I’ve been here I haven’t had an injury, touch wood,” Evans said.
“A couple of years ago, I broke my leg pretty badly, going into my top age year and then again last year, I had a pretty serious hip injury as well.
“Certainly my underage footy was hampered, but since I’ve been here, the physios and medical staff have been pretty good to me, so touch wood, no injuries so far.”
A broken leg also occurred at a difficult time for Evans.
“It was in the grand final of ’09 with my club team,” he said.
“It was in the last couple of minutes and it was unfortunate, but I got over it.
“We lost by a point … but it was a dark day, that’s for sure.”
Although relishing his chance on an AFL list, Evans said being a rookie was an interesting position to be in.
“Being a rookie, there is a bit of uncertainty in your future,” he said.
“It’s an awkward position to be put in, because you’re only getting a game if someone is injured.
“I went up for Jake Spencer, who was once a rookie … but it’s great to get that opportunity.”
As for his nickname, ‘Pickles’, Evans says it stems back to his childhood days.
“I’ve had it for a long time,” he said.
“Mum started the trend and a few mates copped onto it back home.
“Coming over here, I thought I’d lose it, but I went to school with Cale Morton, who is a couple of years older, and he brought it back. I don’t mind it, so I’m happy to go with it.”
The rookie said he was “over the moon” about being given the opportunity to play for Melbourne.
He gained the call-up after some outstanding form for Casey and replaced the injured Jake Spencer, who has been placed on the long-term injury list.
Evans said he found out he would be debuting on Thursday.
“I found out yesterday. Bails had a chat to me and I’m over the world,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life, so I manage to get the opportunity and I can’t wait.”
The Western Australian was claimed at No. 31 in last December’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft. He slipped through, largely because of an injury-interrupted junior career, as he explains.
“Since I’ve been here I haven’t had an injury, touch wood,” Evans said.
“A couple of years ago, I broke my leg pretty badly, going into my top age year and then again last year, I had a pretty serious hip injury as well.
“Certainly my underage footy was hampered, but since I’ve been here, the physios and medical staff have been pretty good to me, so touch wood, no injuries so far.”
A broken leg also occurred at a difficult time for Evans.
“It was in the grand final of ’09 with my club team,” he said.
“It was in the last couple of minutes and it was unfortunate, but I got over it.
“We lost by a point … but it was a dark day, that’s for sure.”
Although relishing his chance on an AFL list, Evans said being a rookie was an interesting position to be in.
“Being a rookie, there is a bit of uncertainty in your future,” he said.
“It’s an awkward position to be put in, because you’re only getting a game if someone is injured.
“I went up for Jake Spencer, who was once a rookie … but it’s great to get that opportunity.”
As for his nickname, ‘Pickles’, Evans says it stems back to his childhood days.
“I’ve had it for a long time,” he said.
“Mum started the trend and a few mates copped onto it back home.
“Coming over here, I thought I’d lose it, but I went to school with Cale Morton, who is a couple of years older, and he brought it back. I don’t mind it, so I’m happy to go with it.”
