North Melbourne's No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis has stated he is "really happy" at Arden Street following unwanted speculation and attention that has surrounded the young star for months.
The South Australian teenager made his return to the Kangaroos' senior side on Saturday in the club's drought-breaking win over Richmond following suspension and return through the VFL.
Horne-Francis' name has been tied to headlines throughout the course of this season, with his future at North Melbourne even questioned with just a handful of games to his career.
After reports from earlier in the year stated the 18-year-old had decided to turn down an opportunity to re-sign with the Roos beyond his current two-year contract, Horne-Francis' already large focus in the media was amplified.
Questions over his attitude, which were quickly quashed by teammate Todd Goldstein following an incident against GWS in Round 13, also placed the young Roos star back in the limelight, while a swinging arm on Giant Josh Kelly also garnered a two-week suspension.
But while conjecture continues to chase the bullish onballer, Horne-Francis' focus is solely set on getting the most out of his own game for the betterment of his team.
“I’m just trying to take it week by week and try get this club where we want it to go; that’s my goal at the moment, and what I want to do is try to get us to where we want to be” he told 7 News.
"At the moment, I’m really happy."
Horne-Francis recorded 12 touches and three tackles in his return to AFL level, a performance that came after a somewhat surprising return through the club's reserves last week.
But while many questioned the selection call, Horne-Francis labelled the decision as a needed lesson and has since taken it in his stride.
“I took it as a positive, really, and thought I’d just go back and try play as well as I can and obviously get myself back in the ones,” he said.
“It was good to play some good footy, but my goal going into that game was the be the best teammate I could be and I thought that’s what I did, and the other stuff just came with it.”
North Melbourne's thrilling four-point win over the Tigers saw the Roos snap their 14-game losing streak in their first match following David Noble's departure.
VFL coach Leigh Adams was handed the reins following the club's decision to part ways with their senior coach last Tuesday, with the Shinboners collecting their second win of the season in style.
“It was obviously really exciting,” Horne-Francis said of the performance.
“We’ll take a lot of confidence out of that. We were building the week before against Collingwood, and for me personally, it was good to be back in the team and get the win.
“The energy in the room after the game was awesome.
“Leigh’s a great coach, I really enjoy him, and he’s a great person as well. I think he handled it really well and went about his business, so it was good that we could get the win for him."
North Melbourne will be looking to back up their winning ways when they travel to Tasmania to face Hawthorn at Blundstone arena on Saturday at 1:45pm (AEST).
