Logan Evans takes part in SANFL Rookie Program

This season will see Norwood defender Logan Evans take part in the SANFL Rookie Program with the Port Adelaide Football Club.

This allows Evans the chance to gain closer experience and engagement with an AFL Program.

The SANFL Rookie Program was introduced last season, allowing Port Adelaide and Adelaide the chance to select one 19 or 20-year-old player to join their list. Father-Son and Next Generation Academy players can also opt into the program, like Woodville-West Torrens’s Tyler Welsh with the SANFL Crows this season.

Evans will be listed on both the Norwood and Port Adelaide SANFL lists, with the chance to train with the Power’s AFL Squad.

The Magpies will have the chance to select Evans for SANFL matches, but if not he will be available for selection with Norwood.

He will continue to train with the Norwood Senior Men’s Squad regularly throughout the season.

Norwood CEO James Fantasia wished Evans all the best for the season ahead.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Logan, who has already demonstrated his ability to play League football,” he said.

“This presents a wonderful chance for Logan to accelerate his development.

“We extend our best wishes for his success throughout the year and look forward to continuing to see him at Norwood.”

In his final U18 season in 2023, Evans played four SANFL League matches with Norwood, making his debut in Round 1.

Under the SANFL Rookie Program agreement Evans will return to Norwood in 2025 if not selected in the AFL Draft or Mid-Season Draft.

North Adelaide’s Blayne O’Loughlin and Stephen Tahana, and West Adelaide’s Hugh Haysman were involved in the Program with the Crows last season, as too Jed Hagan with Port Adelaide.