Boom Port Adelaide recruit Jason Horne-Francis is set to face a delayed start to his days at Alberton after undergoing surgery on his both his legs.
Horne-Francis, 19, departed Arden Street during the recent trade period after spending just a season at North Melbourne, joining the Roos with the opening selection of last year's draft.
Having suffered pain in both of his calves and feet across the course of his debut season, the South Australian was put under the knife to decompress the arteries behind his knees.
Speaking via a prepared statement, Port Adelaide's Head of Medical Services Tim O'Leary professed that the teenager's pain had been "debilitating" at stages during the 2022 season.
"When the club committed to pursuing Jason during the Trade Period, we were made aware he had been managing ongoing, at times debilitating, pain in both calves and feet throughout the 2022 season," O'Leary said.
"Our subsequent investigation revealed he had significant compression of the arteries in the back of his knees, causing blockage to the blood flow to his lower legs.
"Following consultation with numerous specialists, and consideration of the advised options as to how to treat the issue, we decided it was best for Jason's health, and ongoing football performance, that he have the surgery now to release the pressure on the arteries and restore normal blood flow to his lower legs."
While Horne-Francis will remain sidelined for some time yet, O'Leary was of the view that the South Adelaide product would be fit to represent the Power in the opening round of the 2023 season.
"He is now recovering well and will build into pre-season training, with a view to being ready to play in the 2023 season-opener," he added.
Horne-Francis departed Arden Street in acrimonious circumstances, requesting a trade on the eve of the exchange period's commencement.
After coming across the border to much excitement, the youngster managed just 17 games in blue and white bars before opting out.