Jason Horne-Francis was cautioned by North Melbourne after flying interstate without the club’s knowledge.
Horne-Francis missed the Roos’ Round 9 loss to Port Adelaide with hamstring tightness.
But that tightness came after the midfielder sat on four flights in nearly as many days.
It can be revealed Horne-Francis flew home to Adelaide after he and his teammates returned to Melbourne following a Round 8 assignment against Fremantle in Perth.
North players were given the Monday off leading into Round 9, but the club was unaware and unhappy Horne-Francis had travelled to Adelaide without them knowing.
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Jason Horne-Francis missed the R9 game v Port with hammy tightness after traveling to Adelaide without the club’s knowledge. The No.1 draft pick flew to SA after returning from Perth with the team & was spoken to by management upon his return. More on https://t.co/z8yG56ep3u
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) May 24, 2022
The teenager was keen to head home for Mother’s Day weekend.
North Melbourne insisted it did not punish Horne-Francis by standing him down for the Power match, saying he was legitimately sore and due for a rest anyway given his heavy workload.
But the player was reminded of the need to communicate his movements with the club and of his professional responsibilities.
Horne-Francis at the start of the season decided to put off contract talks until the end of the year.
It’s been a tough 2022 for North Melbourne amid reports of discontent between coach David Noble and his players.
The Roos are 17th on the ladder with just the solitary win against the COVID-hit Eagles.