Jason Horne-Francis has made it clear the uncertainty surrounding North Melbourne was a key factor in his push to sign with Port Adelaide, revealing he had been lamenting “another unstable year” at the Kangaroos.
No North Melbourne player can be confident that Alastair Clarkson will be head coach come round one due to the investigation into Hawthorn regarding allegations of racism.
Adding to Horne-Francis’ turbulent time at the Kangaroos was David Noble’s axing as head coach in July, which threw Leigh Adams into the hot seat in an interim role.
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“I wanted to make sure that I was in a stable environment coming into this year,” Horne-Francis said in his first press conference with Port Adelaide.
“I think a lot of people know it might be another unstable year at North, so we just thought coming back home to a great club like Port Adelaide would be best for me.”
However, Horne-Francis did not shy away from the possibility that he was partly to blame for his messy time at the Kangaroos.
“On my part I probably haven’t done everything right, as well,” the prodigious midfielder said.
“As an 18-year-old kid moving out from home to Melbourne, it was tough and I had my challenges and I probably didn’t get everything right.
“It was obviously a tough year but I think it’s going to help me in the long run.”
As North Melbourne headed for the sheds at half-time in round 13, Horne-Francis was spotted in an argument with veteran North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein.
He was also hit with a two-game ban for striking Josh Kelly in the same match.
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Fox Footy’s David King called for Horne-Francis to “pull his head in”, while Nine’s Matthew Lloyd branded him “petulant”.
Horne-Francis was dropped from North Melbourne’s AFL side ahead of round 22, when the Kangaroos played in his home state — Adelaide — for the first time since drafting him.
Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported that a failure to complete an ice-bath recovery session was the reason for his shock dumping.
North Melbourne forward Cameron Zurhaar has taken a series of jabs at Horne-Francis following his trade to Port Adelaide.
Zurhaar’s cooking business, “Bulls Cooking”, posted a story on its Instagram page advertising tote bags and a 10 per cent discount, revealing the discount code “Hornetgone”. Horne-Francis’ nickname is “Hornet”.
Zurhaarr also commented on North Melbourne’s Instagram post confirming the trade, writing: “Elite”.
“I think it’s a bit of fun and games,” Horne-Francis said when asked about Zurhaar’s antics.
“Me and Cam — I thought we had a decent relationship.”
Horne-Francis, the No.1 pick in the 2021 draft, averaged 17 touches (eight contested) in the 2022 season.
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