Delisted Port Adelaide forward Francis Evans has found himself a new home for 2025, signing with Carlton's VFL outfit next year.
Evans was shown the door at the cessation of the 2024 season by the Power despite playing 17 games, including the finals series that ultimately saw the club bow out in the penultimate weekend.
The 23-year-old was originally drafted to Geelong ahead of the 2020 campaign, taken with Pick 41 in the 2019 National Draft, but was forced to wait 12 months before making his debut.
The Cats delisted Evans at the end of the 2022 year after seven games, but he was swiftly picked up by the Power as a low-cost, high-potential prospect, signing him as a delisted free agent.
Port Adelaide reaped the benefits of their decision, but due to the heavy focus on bringing in small forward talent ahead of the 2025 campaign, the Brunswick product found himself on the outer.
The Power welcomed Joe Richards (Collingwood), Joe Berry (Pick 15), Benny Barrett (rookie) and Tom Cochrane (Rookie) to the mix alongside Willie Rioli, Judd McEntee and Darcy Byrne-Jones.
Evans finished up on 34 AFL games.
The Blues' signing of Evans comes shortly after they confirmed locking away former Hawthorn key defender Ethan Phillips.
Carlton reserves coach Luke Power said that the forward was a significant acquisition for the club.
"We couldn't be happier to welcome Francis to IKON Park as part of our VFL program for 2025," Power said.
"He is someone who has earned respect in football circles for the way he has fought his way to the elite level through sheer hard work. He's a competitor, which we love, and he's also got a clear eye for goal.
"We've lost some experience in our VFL forward line in recent years, but Francis delivers that in spades. From a VFL perspective, having him set the example for our younger AFL and VFL-listed forwards alongside Liam McMahon and the like is something we see as a really vital asset.
"We're really excited to have him as part of the fold. He's already settled in nicely amongst our playing group, and we can't wait to see what he can produce for us next season."
