Jason Horne-Francis would have been ready for the challenges of the AFL this year, according to his SANFL coach Jarrad Wright.
The South Adelaide midfielder is being tipped by all and sundry to be taken by North Melbourne with the No.1 pick in Wednesday night’s National Draft.
According to Wright, the 18-year-old has shown so much playing senior footy already that stepping up to the elite level in 2021 would not have been too hard a task.
“I’d agree with that,” he said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World when asked if Horne-Francis would have been ready this year.
“Whether or not he would have played every game, I certainly think he would have been able to play at AFL level at some stage throughout this year.
“Physically he’s quite a powerful, strong competitor. He’s courageous, he doesn’t second guess going for a ground ball, a high ball or a tackle.
“He’s one of the most ferocious players I’ve coached at this level and he’s only 18.
“I think he was physically and mentally ready to step in at some stage this year. Whether or not that’s Round 1 next year, or Round 5 or Round 10, that will all be part of his journey over the pre-season.
“He needs to find a home, obviously at the Kangaroos, and do the work and start again. Time well tell over the next six months on when the journey starts.”
Wright has seen first-hand over the past two seasons just what Horne-Francis is capable of and has described him as a “special” and “phenomenal” footballer.
While he does acknowledge that the AFL is clearly another jump in class, he is confident the Christies Beach product will handle the step up.
“He’s a pretty special player to be doing what he’s doing at 17 and 18 years of age at SANFL level against the men,” he added.
“He’s been quite phenomenal really.
“Obviously we’re all well aware that the AFL level is another step above, but he’s very well prepared and certainly will play some exciting football over the course of his career.”
With the Kangaroos almost certain to call his name out with pick 1, Wright insists the club will be gaining a loyal and hard-working player who will not seek a return home to South Australia ahead of time.
“What I know of Jason is he’s a really loyal kid,” he said.
“Anything that he invests into will be the focus and priority.
“I’m a firm believer that if Jason lands at North Melbourne, which he will, David (Noble) and his team are developing a really strong culture and that Shinboner spirit is very similar to Jason’s cultural background in regards to the way he plays.
“I can see him being a North Melbourne player for the long-term. I couldn’t see him coming home in the short-term if they put the right people around him and the culture will drive from within.
“Jason will thrive on that.”
The AFL Draft kicks off at 7pm AEDT on Wednesday, November 24 and continues on Thursday, November 25.
