Jason Horne-Francis has fronted the media kitted out in his new Port Adelaide colours and wearing a smile in his first press conference after Monday's mega trade deal secured his move back to South Australia.
The homecoming has lifted an enormous weight off the 19-year-old's shoulders, returning to his state of birth after a troubled stint at North Melbourne since being forced there as the number one pick in the draft.
With a year left to run on his contract, Horne-Francis spoke after leaving the Roos in a content manner, happy to be exiting the footy hub in Victoria where the headlines came thick and fast throughout the season.
Sitting alongside Power GM Chris Davies, who commented on the exciting new direction Port as a whole are heading with the inclusion of Junior Rioli, another pivotal cog in the wheel along with the South Adelaide product.
With family members a noticeable driving force in his decision to head back home, Horne-Francis told the media "that having my family around will create an environment where I can play my best footy."
Whilst refusing to comment and swatting away questions surrounding the unfolding Alastair Clarkson saga, he made clear the concerns he had for the "unstable" year North Melbourne are expected to endure.
โI wanted to make sure I was in a stable environment coming into next year,โ he said.
โI think a lot of people know it might be another unstable year at North. We just thought to go back home to a great club like Port Adelaide would be best for me.โ
๐ธ๐ธ pic.twitter.com/mii4lEw1bW
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) October 11, 2022
The maturity levels of an AFL player are often required to be fast-tracked in the environment within senior footy circles and Horne-Francis admits he has some learning to do after the mistakes he's made.
"There's been some challenges throughout the year and on my part I haven't done as well as I could've....but it was tough on my end moving out of home as an 18-year-old"
Horne-Francis continues in saying there's a sole focus in wanting "to prove it to myself and my family" as well as "earning the respect of teammates and coaching staff around me".
The new Power youngster seemed settled after speaking to the media with a fresh start on the horizon at Alberton Oval following an apparent desire for stability factored into his move to the City of churches.
