EVANS, Neil

Neil Evans was a tall ruckman with broad shoulders who played 12 games for Essendon in 1967 and 1968.

Evans made his debut the same day as Essendon champion Ken Fletcher, in a Round 3 home loss to Collingwood. He went on to string 10 consecutive games together and kick a handy seven goals that year.

Evans' career was hampered by hamstring injuries and he didn’t return to senior football until the preliminary final in 1968 where he played in Essendon's win over Geelong. He had shown good form in the Reserves, so despite only this one lead-up game, he was picked to play back pocket/ruck in the 1968 Grand Final. The side lost to Carlton by three points and it was to be Evans' 12th and final game for the Club.

In 1969, Evans went to Western Australia and played with West Perth. He later returned to Victoria and played with Sandringham in 1972 and 1973.

His brother, Ron, was a star for Essendon (64 games, 1958-1962) and later President of the Club.