Former Crow Richard Douglas has sensationally claimed that Adelaide midfielder Jake Soligo will end up being a better footballer than Jason Horne-Francis.
Last year’s number one draft pick requested a trade away from North Melbourne after just one season at Arden St, as he eyes a move home to South Australia.
While Port Adelaide is widely expected to be where Horne-Francis lands, Adelaide could also be in the running if they can satisfy North Melbourne in a trade.
When asked on Wednesday night whether a future first-round pick and young gun Soligo would be a suitable trade, Douglas predicted that the 19-year-old would turn out to be a better player than Horne-Francis.
“You could (offer that deal) but I wouldn’t,” he said on Sportsday SA.
“Jake Soligo will be better footballer than Jason Horne-Francis.
“Adelaide would be silly if they’re not doing a bit of research into Jason so they’ll be putting the feelers out there.
“If he wants to get to Port Adelaide, they probably won’t stand in his way.
"But considering what he has been through at North Melbourne, (Adelaide) could be a bit hesitant. They’re trying to rebuild…to get someone in that may be high risk, that could put them three or four years back.
“It could be a bit too high risk for Adelaide.”
Soligo impressed across 16 games for Adelaide in 2022, averaging 14 disposals and two marks.