ON THE back of signing a two-year contract extension last week to remain at IKON Park, Francis Evans spoke about how he's found himself at home at Carlton.

Evans spent time at both Geelong and Port Adelaide before joining Carlton ahead of the 2025 season, making his Blues debut in Round 1 that same year.

Speaking on his new deal, Evans reflected on his gratitude towards the Club and the journey that led to securing his contract extension.

“It’s very exciting and I’m very grateful for the Club. It all happened pretty quickly,” Evans told Carlton Media.

“You probably take it for granted, but the faith they have shown me, I can’t thank them enough.

“There have been plenty of highlights, just getting to know everybody at the Club. The people are great, and then kind of the past couple of months has been great.”

Highlighting recent wins over Geelong and Brisbane as memorable moments, Evans - who grew up just around the corner from IKON Park in Brunswick - has felt a strong connection to the Blues and is enjoying the opportunity to be back home.

"I feel like I’ve settled into the team nicely and belong,” he said.

"Even growing up, I always came to Princes Park and would see the Carlton players, so it’s nice being back home around mates and family.”

Fresh off a win against the Lions, the forward spoke about how the Blues’ forward line is continuing to click heading into the final stages of the season.

Carlton’s equal-record 16 individual goalkickers was evidence of this, with Evans also highlighting Brodie Kemp’s standout performance after he kicked five goals.

“The forward line is going well, and we’re kind of all clicking at the moment. There’s a lot of even spread, I feel like we’re really dangerous at the moment.”

“[Kemp] is probably one of the more unselfish players we have. For him to get that reward, he trains so hard on the track. It was nice to see him get a few goals, but that’s built off of his contests and being a good teammate.”

Pressure has been a standout feature of Evans’ game this season, with the forward averaging 3.6 tackles and 14 pressure acts per game - both career-best numbers.

For Evans, who ranks No.1 at the Blues for goal assists and No.2 for tackles inside 50, his ability to apply pressure is a key measure of his performance, and something he prides himself on each week.

“Our big boys do a great job of getting the ball to ground, so I feel like if I can bring my pressure, it brings my other strengths into the game.”

Evans also highlighted how important the Blues fans were in their win against the Lions, saying their support helped get the team over the line.

“They have been unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve heard a crowd cheer as much as when ‘Deany’ took a mark about a minute after kicking his goal. 

“The energy they’re giving us has been unbelievable. It’s like having an extra player out there.”