Former Big Bash League cricketer turned Gold Coast Suns player Zak Evans has shed light on the steps that led the 24-year-old to land an AFL contract for the 2025 season.
Evans was officially unveiled as the Suns' latest category B rookie signing on Monday, with the ex-Victoria Sheffield Shield representative and Melbourne Renegades-listed pace bowler the latest to cross codes to the top flight of Aussie Rules.
Following ongoing speculation over a potential move to the AFL, Evans officially signed with the Suns and managed to get back his football touch through training with VAFA club Old Xaverians across the year.
Joining the likes of Alex Keath, Wil Parker and James O'Donnell in swapping professional cricket for the AFL, Evans is set to return to the football field as an AFL player for the first time since his school days.
"I've always wanted to see what the AFL path would've looked like," Evans said on Monday.
"I never got the opportunity back when I was [in school] because I was already signed with cricket.ย After being off-contract with cricket for a year's time, I just thought 'why not?'.
"If I go back six months, it's probably not something that crossed my mind. Being here now, it's an opportunity I'm ready to relish.
"It would've been after my last game for St Kilda (Cricket Club) in March (when I was made aware of the chance). I got a few phone calls and I hadn't even thought about the possibility."
Evans' most recent football appearance came in his final year with private school Xavier, with the newest Gold Coast recruit going up against new teammates Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Ben King six years ago.
Back then, Evans was rated for his run and ball work out of defence, a role he'll likely move back into in Suns colours.
The former first-class cricketer started training with the Suns this week and will bank on the coming months to get a head start for his first season on the club's list.
"Probably running half-back and moving up as a wing, that's sort of what I was in Year 12," Evans said of his likely position. "I probably see myself coming off half-back at the start anyway.
"I still feel like I've got a cricket body to be honest. Hopefully a couple of weeks in the gym and few weeks running will get me ready for the VFL.
"It's nice to have this little period before the start of next season so that I can hit pre-season and the ground running. It's going to take a bit, but I'm excited for it."
Evans is eligible as a category B rookie as he has not been listed with a football club at any level in the past three years.
He becomes the competition's second cross-code signing of the past week, with Port Adelaide confirming the addition of basketballer Jacob Moss last Thursday.
