AFL 2022: Hawthorn signs Box Hill’s ex-Bulldog Fergus Greene as former Cat Francis Evans joins Port Adelaide

Two footballers have found new homes on the opening day of the AFL’s delisted free agency period, with Hawthorn and Port Adelaide adding to their playing list.

Hawthorn has breathed life into former Bulldog Fergus Greene’s AFL career after he starred for the club’s VFL affiliate this year.

The Hawks swooped on the 24-year-old forward on the first day of the delisted free agency window, with Port Adelaide also signing ex-Cat Francis Evans.

Greene was originally the No.70 pick in the 2016 draft, only for the Dogs to delist him two years ago after only five games, all of which were played in 2018.

But a 53-goal season for the Box Hill Hawks – after 30 in only nine games last year – convinced Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie to give him a second chance.

Greene, who turns 25 in December, has accepted a one-year deal to try to prove he belongs at the elite level.

His arrival continues the major changes at the Hawks, who lost star forward Jack Gunston to Brisbane and traded Jaeger O’Meara and Tom Mitchell to Fremantle and Collingwood, respectively.

Fergus Greene last played an AFL game in 2018. Picture: AAP Image

They are actively getting younger, with Hawthorn acquiring Lloyd Meek and Cooper Stephens after signing Karl Amon in free agency.

“We’re really thrilled to have secured the services of Ferg; he’s an exciting player with a lot of potential,” McKenzie said.

“We identified we needed more forward line support, and Ferg’s attributes suit the way Sam and our coaching group want to play.

“With some exposure already at AFL level and a really impressive two seasons in the VFL; we believe Ferg will be a great fit for our young and developing group.”

Box Hill is proving a breeding ground for future AFL Hawks, with Greene following Jai Newcombe, Lachie Bramble and James Blanck in being recruited from there in the past two years.

Francis Evans will hope for more AFL chances at is second stop, Port Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein

Evans was starved of senior opportunities at Geelong, playing only seven games – five of them in 2022 – after being the No.41 selection in the 2019 draft.

The 21-year-old was a strong VFL performer, showing he could not only play as a forward but was also capable of some on-ball cameos.

“Going into the off-season we recognised a need to bolster our small forward stocks and Francis is a player we identified as suiting that need,” Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps said.

“We know he has an eye for goal but is also not immune to working hard to win the ball and keep it in the forward line.

“We look forward to getting him to the club in the coming weeks as our players return for pre-season training.”