North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio has addressed Jason Horne-Francis’ decision to put contract talks on hold until season’s end.
As first reported by SEN’s Sam Edmund, Horne-Francis and his management have paused talks on a new deal after he was edging closer to signing a contract extension on the eve of the season.
The No.1 pick in last year’s National Draft has been a shining light in what has been a tough 2022 so far for the 1-7 Kangaroos.
Horne-Francis, who is contracted until the end of 2023, is averaging 18.6 disposals and 4.8 clearances per game and is ranked first at the Roos for contested possessions.
Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel asked Amarfio on Sportsday: “What would he be looking for to commit long-term with North Melbourne?”
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Amarfio replied: “The obvious answer to that is that’s a question for Jason, his management and his family, I guess.
“But what we can do is provide the best possible environment for Jason and for other recruits and for other players to get better. An environment where they’re learning and growing and developing and enjoying coming to work.
“That’s the best we can do and hopefully we have a bit of success along the way, and we create a great comradery and a great bond between the players with the coaching panel as well.
“Ultimately, that’s up to Jason.
“It’s not unusual, he’s not the only first-round pick that hasn’t signed yet. Like anyone, he’s got to make sure that he’s had time to sit and think and he’ll make his decision I guess at the end of the year.”
Amarfio also confirmed that coach David Noble apologised to his players after giving them a verbal spray following North Melbourne’s 108-point loss to Brisbane in Round 3.
“That was an initiative that he took upon himself,” the Roos chief said.
“He felt as though he probably went at it a tad hard and then felt like he needed to apologise to the players, so he did.”
North Melbourne sits second last on the ladder ahead of Saturday’s match against Port Adelaide at Blundstone Arena in Hobart.