SSP watch: Carlton decides to hand former Geelong, Port Adelaide forward a lifeline

Carlton had five players fighting for its final list spot, but has decided to hand a former Geelong and Port Adelaide forward a lifeline at a third club in the SSP.

Former Geelong and Port Adelaide forward Francis Evans has revived his AFL career after bolting home in a five-way scrap to secure Carlton’s final list spot.

The 23-year-old small forward will join his third club in 2025 after signing for Carlton’s VFL side in December and impressing the Blues’ coaching staff in recent weeks.

The selection of Evans, who kicked nine goals in 17 games for Port Adelaide last year, meant the Blues overlooked several key position depth options including reigning VFL best and fairest Liam McMahon and delisted Hawthorn defenders Denver Grainger-Barras and Ethan Phillips.

Former Power and Geelong forward Francis Evans will join a third club. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Will White, a 21-year-old speedster who enjoyed a breakout year in Carlton’s VFL side in 2024, was also overlooked.

The five players were told of the club’s decision in a series of meetings after Thursday’s closed training session at Ikon Park.

Carlton had already filled one of its two SSP spots, with delisted rookie Matt Carroll earning a reprieve in January after overcoming a groin injury that ruined his first season.

The Blues also had the option of moving defender Nic Newman (ruptured patella tendon) onto the inactive list to open up another spot, but have kept the left-footer on the primary list for now with hopes he could mount a comeback bid late in the season.

If a return for Newman during 2025 becomes unlikely, the Blues could shift him to the inactive list before the mid-season draft to open up a list spot.

Key forward McMahon could have provided an extra depth option in attack after Charlie Curnow’s start to the season was thrust under a cloud when he was sent for minor knee surgery this week.

Grainger-Barras, who was taken by Hawthorn at pick 6 in the 2020 draft, would have provided an extra key defensive option amid concern over whether playing two of GWS recruit Nick Haynes, Mitch McGovern and Jack Silvagni can provide enough aerial support to Jacob Weitering.

Phillips played one senior game for Hawthorn last year but was axed after Tom Barrass and Josh Battle were brought to the club, and will play for the Blues’ VFL side.

Blues list boss Nick Austin praised the “immense professionalism and dedication” of Evans as he received the No. 44 jumper.

“Francis is a true competitor, his attack on the ball and ability to do anything and everything that‘s required for the team have all been crucial to seeing him earn his spot back on an AFL list,” Austin said.

“He is a talented small forward who will really complement our current group, so we are excited to see his growth and development across the season.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer him another opportunity in the AFL and know he will fit in seamlessly here at Carlton.”