Cult hero Francis "Frankie" Evans has drawn the praise of teammate and Rising Star-elect Jagga Smith ahead of a do-or-die wildcard rendezvous with the Melbourne Demons this weekend.
Now at his third AFL club, Evans has discovered career-best form under Josh Fraser, capping a run of five consecutive games with at least one goal scored with a five-goal outburst against minor premiers, Fremantle, last time out.
That took his season total to 22 goals - a new high-water mark for the Brunswick Football Club and Calder Cannons product. It also means the previously bespectacled small has booted 17 goals in his last 10 matches, in ominous signs for those who might be tasked with quelling his impact this September.
Jagga is eyes wide open to the rich vein of form his teammate is in.
"Frankie Evans, I reckon he's getting a bit of talk, a few snags on the weekend, but he's been absolutely amazing," Smith told Zero Hanger at the AFL Awards on Tuesday night.
"He brings elite pressure, and he's got great goal sense as well - I reckon Frankie Evans could perform really well this week."
Smith also earmarked a trio of Demons as dangerous prospects ahead of the AFL's maiden Wildcard Round, but has full belief in his side's defensive unit.
"Obviously those two, Pickett and Gawn, they're their star-factor players, but I feel like they've (the Demons) also got some dangerous forwards ahead of the ball, like (Bayley) Fritsch bobbing up to kick some goals.
"We'll be mindful of him, but I'm really confident we've got a strong backline. So if we can hopefully shut them down, we'll hopefully come out with the win."
