Essendon coach John Worsfold says young gun Aaron Francis remains on track despite a long absence from the senior side.
Since being drafted with the sixth overall selection at the 2015 draft the hulking youngster has played five senior games, including two this season, but has not been sighted at senior level since the Bombers’ Round 7 loss to Fremantle in which he gathered 13 disposals.
“He’s tracking along at a pretty good rate and he’s going to be a very good player,” Worsfold told SEN Breakfast.
“The fact he’s not in (the senior side) and dominating games right now is not a concern for us.”
The premiership coach said while Francis had size – he’s listed as 193cm and 92kg – he did not yet have the strength to play the forward role required at senior level.
While robust, the 19-year-old is still raw and very much developing his power-to-weight ratio.
After missing one week with a groin injury, the South Australian returned to form in with three goals in the VFL last week.
Essendon legend Tim Watson said after watching Francis play against Collingwood on ANZAC Day he left thinking the club had drafted something special.
“He did things I think only big talent can produce,” Watson said.
Essendon hosts Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night with a victory pushing it level with side’s in the bottom reaches of the top eight.
The Bombers have won three of their past four matches against the Power at Etihad Stadium.