Port Adelaide has committed to signing father-son prospect Oliver Francou to its SANFL side in 2025 should he be overlooked at the upcoming National Draft.
Under the revised SANFL rules for Adelaide and the Power, each club can sign up to eight players from rival clubs aged 21 or under as part of its improved development pathway.
The midfielder featured for the North Adelaide Roosters during his draft year in the SANFL U18s competition, averaging 24.2 disposals. 6.4 clearances and 4.9 tackles per game.ย
Francou is the son of 156-game ex-Port Adelaide player Josh, who earned All-Australian honours and finished runner-up in the 2002 Brownlow Medal count during his time at Alberton Oval.
Power head of SANFL and former player Paul Stewart was impressed with Francou's development.
"Justin Westhoff and Jason Williams have done a fantastic job supporting Oli with his development this year through our Father-Son Academy," Stewart said.ย
"As a young, developing inside midfielder, Oli gets plenty of the footy and has great hands and vision.ย
"Throughout the 2024 season, we saw him continually grow and improve, and we hope to see more of that from him at Port Adelaide.ย
"I particularly want to thank the North Adelaide Football Club, who have been supportive of this opportunity for Oli and have been instrumental in Oli's growth as a footballer."
The 18-year-old said he is excited to join the club his father played for whilst also flagging his desire to make it to the elite level.
"I'm really excited to play for the same club my dad had an AFL career at," Francou said.ย
"If the draft doesn't go my way this year, I want to give myself the best chance to develop in a SANFL system at an AFL club. ย
"I hope I can contribute to the club well, and I can't wait to get started."
Port Adelaide opted not to nominate Francou as a potential father-son selection ahead of the National Draft.
