Jason Horne-Francis has met with Port Adelaide and is only interested in joining them.
That is the news Kane Cornes is reporting on Monday morning in the wake of the North Melbourne youngster requesting a trade after just one year with the club.
Cornes confirmed to SEN.com.au that last year’s No.1 draft pick met with Power coach Ken Hinkley and GM of footy Chris Davies last week, making it clear that Port Adelaide is the only club for him and he’s not interested in the Adelaide Crows.
JASON HORNE-FRANCIS HANDS IN BOMBSHELL TRADE REQUEST
North are aware of that situation and on the surface of it, at the moment, they seem open to it.
“He’s not interested in going to Adelaide,” Cornes said on AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.
“Chris Davies, Ken Hinkley, Jason Horne-Francis and his manager Ben Williams met in person last week. Port Adelaide were really impressed by him and his character, albeit understanding he had some challenges last year.
“We saw that play out in that he was dropped a couple of times, he put his contract talks on hold, he had some disciplinary actions on-field and was suspended. They understand that.
“It’s only Port Adelaide. He’s not interested at all in looking at or speaking to the Adelaide Football Club.”
The Power were impressed by the character of the 19-year-old and acknowledge he underwent some challenges last year, but are hopeful a move back to South Australia will work positively for him.
Cornes believes a midfield unit consisting of Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Horne-Francis would be “unbelievable” for Port for the next 10 years.
The Port 300-gamer reported earlier this year that Horne-Francis was “beginning to make noises” about leaving North.