The former Bendigo Pioneer and Victoria Country representative has transitioned into the senior ranks with aplomb, playing a key role in Echuca’s 7-1 start to the season.
And in May, he took his game to another level.
The Murray Bombers prodigy averaged 28 disposals and showcased what co-coach Angus Byrne described as the “skill and nous” that has also seen him hold his own in three games for Carlton’s VFL outfit, named in Echuca’s best in the past four games.
It’s also why he’s been named The News Rising Star for May.
“He just works his backside off, and he’s come with a real team approach when he's returned from VFL commitments,” Byrne said.
“He backs in our system and goes to work, and he's so important with what we're trying to do.
“He's just got a lot of skill and nous, knows where to be and when to be there.
“We’ve had a few injuries here and there, so we’ve asked him to step up, which is a lot to ask of a 19-year-old.
“But he's done so, and doing it to a really high standard.”
Evans’ maturity in Echuca’s 10-point win over the Bears last round was noted by his Murray Bombers mentor, and his most statistically noticeable outing came against Seymour, tallying 41 disposals, seven marks, and seven tackles, a performance that saw him elevated back into the Blues’ squad for the first time since round three.
“He hates to be beaten, hates losing whether it's one-on-one’s, a game, or just a drill,” Byrne said.
“He’s competitive, he’s driven, and I think it's going to hold him in good stead not only for Goulburn Valley footy, but hopefully higher than that too.”
Evans kicked two goals and gathered 17 disposals in his latest match with the Blues, playing alongside Echuca teammates Cody Walker and Logan Prout against Coburg.
But with Carlton’s AFL-aligned status, even that promising performance wasn’t enough to hold his spot.
However, Byrne believes it will be only a temporary absence based on positive feedback coming from Ikon Park.
“His coaches are rapt with his versatility and his ability to play both ends of the ground,” he said.
“They also appreciate it's a tricky situation when it’s AFL-aligned because once AFL guys are available for selection, their hands are sort of tied.
“Tommy is really high on their list, and he's been rewarded for good form at Goulburn Valley level.”
Currently, Evans’ exploits in the bottle-green is the Murray Bombers’ gain, and the teen star looks set to play an important part in the club’s bid for a fourth flag in five seasons.
Tom Evans’ May averages
Disposals: 28 disposals
Ranking points: 117.5
Marks: 4.75
Tackles: 6
Score involvements: 5.5
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