North Melbourne youngster Jason Horne-Francis staked his claim for a senior recall after a good performance in the VFL.
Last year’s No.1 pick finished with 29 disposals, nine clearances, five inside 50s and six marks against Coburg on Saturday.
Horne-Francis was dropped for North’s Round 22 match against Adelaide for reportedly disobeying team orders.
“The star teenager was called out by interim coach Leigh Adams and senior players on Sunday for failing to complete his proper ice bath and recovery in front of their very eyes,” 7AFL reporter Cleary said.
“It’s contributed to him being dropped for what was meant to be his first AFL games in front of family and friends in front of South Australia.”
Garry Lyon backed the Kangaroos’ decision to omit Horne-Francis as interim coach Adams looks to drive higher standards at Arden Street.
“I didn’t mind it,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“I thought that’s what Leigh Adams should be doing in the interim as an interim coach, demand high standards.”
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SEN Breakfast co-host Nathan Buckley also weighed in on Horne-Francis’ omission.
“What I would suggest is that this is a young man who has still got a lot of development, both on and off the field, and this club and coaching group are trying to help him become a better player and better product for the club,” Buckley said.
“If the club are making calls based on a concern of a player leaving and then that means that they sweep issues under the carpet and miss development opportunities, well then, that club isn’t worth a pinch of salt or the leadership that are making the decision.
“I think you need to get rid of the exterior, get rid of the potential fallout and say, ‘How are we going to help this young man become the best version of themselves?’ And you’ve got to make the decisions in the moment.”
Horne-Francis, 19, is averaging 16.3 disposals and 3.6 clearances in his debut season.
North Melbourne play host to Gold Coast in their final home and away game for 2022 at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.