Big Ev will play his 100th open-age game in this weekend’s Division Five Grand Final against UNSW/ES Bulldogs at Blacktown ISP on Sunday, 4 September 2016.

The significance of this Sunday’s match is obvious, as a first-time flag for Pennant Hills in the Division Five competition is on offer. Last season Penno went down to the same opposition in the Preliminary Final and UNSW/ES Bulldogs ended up runners-up in 2015. So the stakes are high with both sides keen to atone for last season’s let-down. Not only will the Demons be desperate for a win, but the boys will be determined to put on a strong showing to ensure the moment is one that Big Ev will look back on with pride and fond memories. UNSW/ES Bulldogs was the only side to beat our boys this season and the record stands at 2 wins, 1 loss in favour of the Demons, with Penno winning the most recent encounter, coming from behind at ¾ time, by 16 points in the 2nd Semi Final a fortnight ago.

Evan came to Pennant Hills after about a decade and circa 150 games of junior footy at North Ryde. He recalls that there were no premierships, but his team was runner-up on one occasion. He played representative football with Sydney North West and Sydney and was a five time Best & Fairest winner and twice runner-up at the Club level.

Evan joined Pennant Hills in 2009, playing two seasons and a total of 34 games in the Under 18s. He got his first taste of open-age footy in 2010, playing 3 games with the thirds. During this period he played much of his footy at fullback, after being ruck/ruck rover in his junior days. Nowadays, Big Ev plays mainly in the forwards as well as switching through the ruck. He has good height and a solid physique and he uses these endowments to great advantage, in the Reserves and Thirds where he has played most of his footy at the Club. In 2016, his eighth season with Penno, he has split his time between the Division Three and Five teams where he has been a valuable goal-kicker with 14 and 11 goals, respectively.

Evan was a member of the Third Grade side that won the Division Four premiership in 2013. In fact, Big Ev was named best afield for Penno in the Grand Final and he kicked one of the team’s 14 goals that day. The result was a resounding victory over Sydney University, 14.11-95 to 4.4-28.

Although he hasn’t won any major awards at the Senior Club, Evan has been a consistent performer during his time at Penno. He’s a right footer and can kick a heavy ball quite a distance; he reckons shots at 50 or 60 metres are well within his range! In his time, he’s played against a number of boys that went on to play AFL footy including Josh Bruce (GWS/St Kilda), Michael Hartley (Essendon) and Jarrod Witts (Collingwood).

Big Ev is a likeable guy around the Club and is always willing to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Playing 100 games is a significant achievement in anyone’s football career as it requires a substantial personal commitment to the team, dedication to the Club and passion for the code. In recognition of his substantial commitment and loyalty, the Club pays tribute to Evan Danilo and wishes him the best in this weekend’s Grand Final. Here’s hoping he has a great game worthy of this significant milestone.

Well done Big Ev and Go Penno!

Written & compiled by John Acheson for PHAFC, Sunday 4 September 2016