New North Melbourne player Jason Horne-Francis says fellow No.1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs had a “massive influence” on his football at South Adelaide.
Horne-Francis was selected by the Kangaroos with the coveted first pick in Wednesday night’s National Draft, becoming the Roos’ first No.1 pick in the club’s history.
The 18-year-old played alongside Gibbs at the Panthers in 2021 and was particularly impressed by the ex-Blue and Crow’s professionalism both on and off the field.
“He (Gibbs) has had a massive influence on me and a lot of the young fellas at Souths,” Horne-Francis told SEN Breakfast.
“I think just the professionalism and the way he goes about it at South Adelaide really helped the whole club in their success this year.
“He’s been tremendous for me on-field in moments and off-field as well. He’s been super.”
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Horne-Francis is the first South Australian to go at pick No.1 since Carlton selected Gibbs in the 2006 National Draft.
The teenager is looking forward to getting started at Arden Street and working under Roos coach David Noble.
“They’ve got some really, really exciting young talent, and a good mix of veterans as well. I'm really excited to get to work with them,” Horne-Francis said.
“And I think ‘Nobes’ is a bloody awesome coach. They're heading in the right direction.”
Horne-Francis averaged 16.5 disposals, 3.2 clearances and 4.2 tackles across 20 SANFL games this year. He also booted 15 goals, including three in a preliminary final.