Collingwood great Nathan Buckley has leapt to the defence of Roos' youngster Jason Horne-Francis, calling out the footy industry for their lack of support for last year's number one selection.

Horne-Francis has endured a turbulent time at North Melbourne so far and has come under fire for his performances for the struggling Kangaroos by the footballing world.

Amid another dire Roos performance against GWS, the 18-year-old's work rate and attitude had been questioned and murmurs have begun circulating about a potential early departure from Arden Street to return to his home state of South Australia.

Buckley, who had a controversial start to his AFL career as well, believes the commentary around Horne-Francis has been unfair, with high expectations and social media applying more pressure on the youngster.

"I'm hot under the collar around a specific issue," Buckley said onย SEN Breakfast.

"If I was Jason Horne-Francis' parents, how would I feel about how he has been treated by the industry?

"So I'm not just talking about the club, I'm not talking about the media, I'm not talking about anyone in particular, but I feel like - What are we doing to this kid?

"He is an 18-year-old who is probably struggling within himself. We're seeing his behaviours that are coming out that are showing quite clearly that he is struggling in himself in the challenge that he is facing.

"It's got worse and worse as expectation has grown. These expectations weren't his, they were placed on him externally and this is where sports media and social media becomes a big thing.

"He's the number one pick, he's expected to be a certain player, he's gone into a club that has struggled and he's become the main story out of the North Melbourne Football Club."

The Brownlow Medallist says the criticism around rumours of Horne-Francis' desire to leave the Roos is unjust, as he's being "judged by the masses" for "something that hasn't happened yet".

"He is already being judged for, 'Why don't you just stick with North, mate? Why don't you do this, why don't you do that?' Nothing's happened but our bias has us judging this kid's character," Buckley said.

"And he is a kid. I see him struggling physically and I don't feel comfortable with the way the game is not supporting this kid and the game being the industry."

As a junior, Buckley was selected by the Brisbane Bears in the 1991 Draft through their Northern Territory zone but resisted the move and continued to play in the SANFL for Port Adelaide.

Through an agreed deal, Buckley eventually played for the Bears in 1993 before being able to move to the club of his choice, Collingwood.

Buckley would have a decorated career at the Pies, becoming a Brownlow Medallist in 2003, winning six club best-and-fairest awards, being appointed captain, and being selected for seven All-Australian teams.

When asked about advice he would give Horne-Francis, Buckley said the youngster's situation would require patience to find the best path for him.

"There is nothing I would say different to what I'm saying here," he said.

"You're still a young man who is developing. I understand the challenges that are happening around you, but what is your plan? What is the plan with the club?

"There's a flawed ideal already to assume that my circumstances are the same as his.

"He might want to go home. He might want to be around his loved ones and have a support mechanism that is crucial to him

"Right now he's a work in progress and it's going to take time and patience and a lot of care and support."

After missing only one game this season, Horne-Francis will miss the next two games for David Noble's side through suspension after a striking charge for his hit on GWS midfielder Josh Kelly.

The Roos currently sit in 17th on the ladder, level on points with the struggling Eagles, with only one win.

North Melbourne has their bye this week before facing the Crows next week at Blundstone Arena.