Top draft prospect Jason Horne-Francis is confident he can make an instant impact at AFL level.
The 18-year-old plied his trade for SANFL club South Adelaide in 2021 and is set to be selected by North Melbourne with the No.1 pick in this year’s National Draft.
Horne-Francis starred for the Panthers in their Preliminary Final loss to Glenelg in September, finishing with 24 disposals, 11 clearances, 10 score involvements and three goals.
“I feel like I can make an impact straight away, as in I've had that two years of league footy under my belt and it's really helped me,” Horne-Francis told reporters at the SA Draft Combine.
“So I feel like I can make a pretty big impact at the start.”
The young South Australian has spoken with the Kangaroos ahead of November’s draft as Arden Street looms as his likely destination.
North Melbourne has rejected two offers from Adelaide and Richmond for their No.1 pick.
“It’s hard not to (see himself at the Roos) when there’s a lot of media stuff about it,” Horne-Francis said.
“They (North Melbourne) have spoken to me and said that. They’re keen, obviously.
“It’s a big honour to have clubs put up that for yourself. It’s a bit crazy but I feel like it’ll take care of itself.”
The Crows offered the Kangaroos three first-round selections – pick No.4 and two first-round selections in 2022 – for the prized pick.