The Jason Horne-Francis trade saga has shaken up the off-season's trajectory, with the top pick now in play to make his way back to South Australia in a move to Port Adelaide.
The talented teenager was known to be unsettled, but even a confirmed request to Alberton wasn't foreseen, at least in 2022 anyway.
The situation has left both the Roos and North to begin negotiations in what is sure to shape as one of the biggest deals in the AFL's history, with multiple first-round selections from Port Adelaide seen as the start to intense talks.
But if the Kangaroos were set to seek personnel as part of the discussions, who could be raised as part of these talks?
We take a look at five players North Melbourne might target in their trade talks for Jason Horne-Francis.
5. Xavier Duursmaย
Another Victorian product who finds himself plying his trade in South Australia, Duursma may see greener pastures in any contemplation of a move to Arden Street.
While the Roos won't exactly be a stronger contender right off the bat, Duursma is sure to gain greater opportunities with the Roos on the wing or in attack where he has flourished in his short time with the Power.
2022 saw Duursma battle both injury and form however, at times raising questions as to whether he is placed in Ken Hinkley's best 22 from next year.
The arrival of Horne-Francis would only see Duursma's place in the pecking order pushed back further, while an opportunity at North Melbourne could see the Foster native play out a full season if fit.
Given the Roos' likely place toward the top end of next year's National Draft, North Melbourne could look to pair Duursma with his highly-rate younger brother Zane at Arden Street.
