ON THE BACK of an outstanding AFL debut, elevated rookie Michael Evans says the speed and intensity of the game were the biggest differences he noticed from playing at lower levels.
But Evans, who shone with 27 disposals against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, said his NAB Cup taste earlier this year gave him the opportunity to understand what was needed at the highest level.
“Playing in the NAB Cup, you get a little bit of experience and know what to expect,” the Western Australian told melbournefc.com.au.
“I wasn’t surprised, but the speed was something that will take me a while to adapt to. It’s a very quick game and I’ll take that on board and try and adapt as soon as possible.
“You really have your heart set on singing that song after the game, but we gave it a pretty good crack and it was disappointing with the loss.”
Although he earned coach Dean Bailey’s praise post-match, Evans wasn’t entirely pleased with his inaugural match.
“I was happy to go out and find the ball, but I could’ve done a little bit more with it,” he said.
“I think that will come with experience, but I’m relatively happy with my own performance, but there are definitely a lot of areas I can improve in.
“It’s just week to week for me from now on.”
But he said he will take plenty of confidence from his first hit-out, knowing he can mix it with the best.
“It’s always pleasing and nice to know that you can win the ball - and that it’s just another game of footy,” Evans said.
“You get hit once or twice and when you realise you can get back up - you know they’re humans out there and not superstars.
“You do gain confidence when you get your first game out of the way - the monkey is off your back.”
Although his fine performance will draw attention from the football fraternity, Evans said he will approach next Friday night’s clash against Carlton at the MCG in the same manner.
“It’ll be as usual; we’ve got a six-day turnaround and having played in the VFL last round, I came off a six-day turnaround,” he said.
“My recovery will be massive this week as it was last week. I’ll give myself every chance to play and work on a few things from today.
“I’m already looking forward to next week.”
But Evans, who shone with 27 disposals against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, said his NAB Cup taste earlier this year gave him the opportunity to understand what was needed at the highest level.
“Playing in the NAB Cup, you get a little bit of experience and know what to expect,” the Western Australian told melbournefc.com.au.
“I wasn’t surprised, but the speed was something that will take me a while to adapt to. It’s a very quick game and I’ll take that on board and try and adapt as soon as possible.
“You really have your heart set on singing that song after the game, but we gave it a pretty good crack and it was disappointing with the loss.”
Although he earned coach Dean Bailey’s praise post-match, Evans wasn’t entirely pleased with his inaugural match.
“I was happy to go out and find the ball, but I could’ve done a little bit more with it,” he said.
“I think that will come with experience, but I’m relatively happy with my own performance, but there are definitely a lot of areas I can improve in.
“It’s just week to week for me from now on.”
But he said he will take plenty of confidence from his first hit-out, knowing he can mix it with the best.
“It’s always pleasing and nice to know that you can win the ball - and that it’s just another game of footy,” Evans said.
“You get hit once or twice and when you realise you can get back up - you know they’re humans out there and not superstars.
“You do gain confidence when you get your first game out of the way - the monkey is off your back.”
Although his fine performance will draw attention from the football fraternity, Evans said he will approach next Friday night’s clash against Carlton at the MCG in the same manner.
“It’ll be as usual; we’ve got a six-day turnaround and having played in the VFL last round, I came off a six-day turnaround,” he said.
“My recovery will be massive this week as it was last week. I’ll give myself every chance to play and work on a few things from today.
“I’m already looking forward to next week.”
