North Melbourne’s prized No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis has stepped away from negotiations over a new deal at the struggling club.
Horne-Francis was edging closer to signing a contract extension on the eve of the season that would have tied him to Arden Street for the long-term.
But it can be revealed the midfield wonderkid and his management have since put that deal on hold until the end of the season after the Roos’ rocky start to the campaign.
It has since emerged that coach David Noble apologised to his players for a furious verbal spray during and after the 108-point loss to Brisbane in Round 3. Some players struggled to hold their composure after that address.
It is known that the way in which Noble sometimes communicates with players and staff had been addressed with him previously.
Horne-Francis, the first No.1 draft pick in North Melbourne’s history, has been a shining light in a miserable 1-7 opening to the 2022 season.
The Kangaroos, like all clubs with access to top-end talent, were eager to see Horne-Francis commit for longer than the standard two-year draftee contract. Four of last year’s top 10 are already locked away on new long-term deals at their new clubs.
Mac Andrew (Gold Coast), Josh Rachele (Adelaide) and Neil Erasmus (Fremantle) signed contract extensions in the early part of the year, while Nick Daicos arrived at Collingwood on a four-year contract as a father-son selection.
Josh Sinn, who was pick 12 to Port Adelaide, signed before he made his debut.
Horne-Francis ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for contested possessions, third for total disposals, third for tackles and second for clearances.
He was the rising star nominee for Round 7.