CENTRAL District Under 18s skipper Alana Evans is a very different player to older sister Jasmine, but is forging her own path by making the State Academy in her top-age season. The young Bulldogs leader is captaining her side in the inaugural season of the AAMI Talent League and looking to build on her game to be the best player she can be.

We spoke to Evans at the South Australian Preseason Testing Day about her football journey, the influence her sister has had on her career, and game.

Q: Alana, tell us a little bit about your footy journey?

AE: “I started footy at 12 but I was doing gymnastics and hockey before that, I just fell out of love with it. Then I started playing footy because my younger brother played footy his whole life so I was always around it. Then me and Jas played footy together for a bit and then I kept playing. I played for Salisbury first and I moved to Angle Vale and now I’m at Centrals.”

Q: How’s it been following in the footsteps of your sister, seeing her get drafted?

AE: “Yeah well Jas was always naturally good at footy so I always had a female example around me. I felt like it was always good to look up to her, and then 2023 I did my ACL which was her big year of footy so that was a bit hard. Then I came back to footy last year and then I actually had a pretty good year I reckon, and now I’m here.”

Q: What’s your favourite position?

AE: “Well I’ve been a forward for the most part, and I started playing backline this year, like half-back. I like it better than forward, so I’d say half-back is my most favourite.”

Q: What do you see as some of the strengths in your game?

AE: “I think my pressure on the footy, pressure to players. I think I’m good at getting the ball in contested areas. I also think marking, contested marking is one of my strengths as well.”

Q: What about the improvements you’re looking to make?

AE: “Probably just repeat efforts, that’s always a hard one. Especially in a hard game, and sticking with my player all game and not letting them drift. Need to improve that area of footy.”

Q: Which AFLW club do you support? Port?

AE: “Yeah Port, definitely.”

Q: Was it Port before?

AE: “Well I go for Eagles, and my family’s in Western Australia, most of them. I was originally there but to play with Jas again would be ideal.”

Q: Is there a player you look up to or model your game on?

AE: “Mon Conti‘s always good to look at. I think Ruby Schleicher, she’s pretty elite. I like watching her play.”

Q: How do you compare yourself to your sister in terms of traits?

AE: “I think Jas is very much an attacking player and I think I’m a defensive player so that’s obviously different. I think she’s more footy smarts like clean with the footy, where I’m more aggressive towards footy.”

Q: Who’s had the most individual influence on your career?

AE: “Probably Jas I reckon. She’s always helped me.”

Q: What goals do you set for yourself this year?

AE: “I want to debut in League, that’s my top goal. Because I’ve been in the women’s squad for three years but haven’t been able to play, so hopefully to debut this year. That’s my biggest goal.”