NORWOOD defender Logan Evans is one of the few South Australian Under 18 talent hub members to have broken through for a SANFL League debut at this early stage of his top-age campaign, impressing in both of the Redlegs’ losses to start season 2023.

The 188cm prospect cracked the Reserves grade last year, turning out six times and notching a high of 25 touches against Central District in Round 16. In his second game at the top flight, Evans notched 12 touches and kicked his first senior goal against Sturt to be the subject of this week’s Player Focus.

>> SANFL U18s MOTR: Eagles vs. South Adelaide

NorwoodDefender

Logan Evans

Height: 189cm

Weight: 81kg

DOB: 07-10-2005

FROM THE COACH:

“Logan developed his game last season to enable him to progress up a level and hold his own against bigger, more experienced players at SANFL Reserves level. He plays in a similar manned to his former Redlegs teammate Max Michalanney at the same age.

A medium-sized defender who competes consistently well to win or break even in his one-on-one battles, Logan can also create an extra player at the contest when needed. Encouragingly, Logan tested fourth fastest for Agility at the Centre of Excellence Testing day in February.”

– South Australia Under 18 coach Tony Bamford via SANFL

PLAYER FOCUS:

2023 SANFL League Round 2
Norwood 8.5 (53) def. Sturt 16.10 (106)

#52 Logan Evans (Norwood)
Stats: 12 disposals (7 kicks, 5 handballs), 3 marks, 4 tackles, 1 inside 50, 1 goal

FIRST QUARTER

Evans chalked up somewhat of a mixed start to his game on Thursday night, producing glimpses of good, bad and otherwise. His first act came off the opening centre clearance, which was marked by the teenager’s direct opponent. Unfortunately, Evans conceded a 25-metre penalty for his late push on Steven Slimming, who bagged the game’s first goal.

After copping an ear massage for his attempt at a high ball, Evans soon got into the swing of things with a fantastic overhead mark at centre half-back, and used his smooth kicking skills to fan the ball wide and up the ground in what was a busy opening five minutes.

He was a touch loose in his marking on a couple of occasions, beaten on the lead, but soon learned his lesson and reacted well at the fall of the ball to mop it up first. He did the latter well when one-out in the goalsquare, picking up a ground ball and flicking it out under pressure.

SECOND QUARTER

After a relatively long rotation, Evans eventually got into the action at around the 10-minute mark and held up well at repeat contests. In a particularly impressive double effort, he wore a shirtfront from Martin Frederick before tackling another Sturt opponent, proving game in the face of physical pressure.

He began to actively get his arm across each opponent, particularly at stoppage, and seemed more aware of his defensive responsibilities. Offensively, Evans pressed high up the ground and snuck inside forward 50 for a classy goal. The teen received a handball out the back and recovered his own fumble to slam through a nice finish from 40 metres.

THIRD QUARTER

There was plenty of mopping up for Evans to do across Norwood’s back half as Sturt began to apply scoreboard pressure, and he remained quite efficient with ball in hand despite the greasy conditions. He also positioned well behind the ball.

Clean at ground level, Evans was able to flick the ball up quickly for teammates to clear their lines or find exits, but was also spotted laying a nice rundown tackle at the top of defensive 50. His closing speed and application without the ball continued to be handy for the Redlegs.

He could perhaps have benefitted from utilising his non-preferred left foot on a couple of occasions where he was squeezed on the right side, but still managed to get enough penetration on his long kicks down the line.

FOURTH QUARTER

The fourth term was all Sturt, with the Double Blues pouring on another six goals to blow out the final margin to 53 points. Nonetheless, a pair of impressive intercept marks highlighted Evans’ term and he was even made to earn the second – copping an unnecessary late hit and being afforded a free 25 metres.

CLOSING THOUGHTS…

Norwood is known to give their kids an early run at senior level and Evans looks like one who could stay the course in 2023. The defender has been compared to Crows draftee Max Michalanney and has a similar balance of aerial ability and kicking competency from behind the ball.

At 188cm, he could well grow into that third tall role with his knack for reading the play well to intercept, before rebounding with a turn of speed and penetrative kicking to boot. He’ll be one to watch for the Croweaters this year as a natural and impactful backman.