Port Adelaide Power

How does Jason Horne-Francis fit in at Port Adelaide?

Is last year’s Pick 1 enough to launch the Power back into premiership contention?

Published by
Bryn Wakefield

With the likes of Josh Dunkley, Izak Rankine, and Tim Taranto making moves this off-season, a surprise frontrunner for the Trade Period's most important swap has emerged in Jason Horne-Francis.

On the eve of the Trade Period, Horne-Francis requested a bombshell trade to South Australia, having spent a year at North Melbourne as the No.1 Pick.

Despite the Kangaroos not naming a club in their statement, reports from AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey and Kane Cornes have confirmed that the 19-year-old is destined for Port Adelaide.

"It's only Port Adelaide," Kane said bluntly on SEN.

"He's not interested at all in looking at, or speaking to, the Adelaide Football Club."

Rumours have followed Horne-Francis through most of the year, with reports (and on-field behaviour) culminating in a request to play at his stepfather's old club.

So, with the Power likely to get their man, how well does he fit into the side's best 22?

How Jason Horne-Francis fits into Port Adelaide

Horne-Francis didn't have a great first year. He was in the media for the wrong reasons, visibly frustrated at teammates, overshadowed by the brilliant Nick Daicos, and didn't perform as expected at the AFL level.

Even still, he was taken first overall for a reason, and Port Adelaide will hope his struggles can be attributed to 'homesickness' and a rocky year at Arden Street.

If Horne-Francis can get back to his explosive, bullish best, he'll start in the midfield, or at least rotate through a midfield-forward role. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Jason Horne-Francis of the Kangaroos runs with the ball during the round seven AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on April 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The 19-year-old will have strong competition for a midfield spot, with veterans Travis Boak and Ollie Wines still performing, and Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Sam Powell-Pepper keen to consolidate their positions.

Don't be surprised if Horne-Francis starts on the interchange, but be sure that Port will utilise a player that will likely cost them two first-round picks.

After a disappointing year, the South Adelaide product's superstar talent could lift the Power's premiership chances, along with much-needed small forward Junior Rioli and a key defender.

The potential of Jason Horne-Francis

The arrival of this talented young midfield conjures up one image: a midfield consisting of Butters, Rozee and Horne-Francis.

That formation could be years from now, but the talent on display will be undeniable for Port Adelaide.

The complication in that plan is Butters. North Melbourne will undoubtedly ask the question of receiving him in return for their first-ever Pick 1 talent.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 26: Connor Rozee of the Power celebrates after kicking a goal with Zak Butters of the Power during the round 6 AFL match between Port Adelaide and North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on April 26, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

However, Port Adelaide's Chris Davies has shut down the idea of Butters moving to Victoria: "We don't want to bring Jason in and then let other players we think are going to be helpful for us at AFL level go."

If the Power can keep their best young assets in this trade, they'll be stoked with the emerging talent on their list.

Published by
Bryn Wakefield