Evans was promoted off the Brisbane Lions’ rookie list on Thursday and coach Justin Leppitsch wasted no time in throwing the teenager into the deep end, naming him for the Lions Q-clash with the Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba.

Leppitsch told Evans in front of the entire Lions’ squad he’d been selected to make his AFL debut.

Billy’s father Mark will make the flight to Brisbane on Saturday to watch his son make his debut.

“We’re very proud of him,’’ Mark said on Thursday night.

“All the hard work he’s put in is starting to pay off for him.”

Evans was rewarded for his good form with Brisbane’s reserves side in the NEAFL.

“His last month has been really solid,’’ Mark said of Billy’s form.

“He’s been playing in the midfield and last week they sent him forward for the second half and he kicked two of their five goals.”

Mark said his son had settled in well to life in Brisbane.

“As expected he had a bit of home sickness the first couple of months, but since then he’s been fine,’’ Mark said. “He’s really enjoying living in Brisbane and he likes the training at that level.”

Evans will become the 57th former Sandhurst player to play at AFL/VFL level.