The first number one draft pick in North Melbourne's long history, Jason Horne-Francis arrives at Arden St with hype he appears well-placed to justify.
A midfielder by trade, Horne-Francis also spent considerable time molding his game as a forward at SANFL level, and playing periods of the 2021 season in defence.
Though being tried and tested in different areas of the ground dented his statistics in 2021 - he averaged 16.5 disposals and 0.8 goals per contest - the footballing development gained against senior opposition all over the ground bodes well for his transition into AFL football.
Mentored by former No.1 pick Bryce Gibbs at the Panthers, Horne-Francis played a crucial role in South Adelaide’s run to the finals and dragged his team to within a whisker of victory in a preliminary final showcase against Glenelg.
Suggesting he possesses a big-game mentality, Horne-Francis saved his best performance of the year for his side’s biggest game of the season, finishing with 24 disposals, 11 clearances and 3 goals.
Named as captain of South Australia’s under 19 team in his draft year, he possesses the leadership and interpersonal skills that are so highly valued by clubs and has a mature head on his shoulders.
It’s always difficult to temper the level of expectation on the top picks in the draft and it serves to remember Horne-Francis is still just 18 years old, but he possesses all the attributes to become a strong contributor at AFL level.
