Former Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson is tipping Port Adelaide to be “big improvers” in 2022, but that could bring about a problem in the trade for Jason Horne-Francis.
Ken Hinkley’s side never gave themselves a chance when starting the season 0-5, and despite finishing as one of the better teams in the competition, could only manage 10 wins for the season.
It was a far cry from the Preliminary Final exit of 2021, but Horne-Francis joining the club is one piece that could see a quick return to the top eight.
The first pick of the 2021 National Draft has requested a trade out of the Roos, leaving the Power to negotiate his worth.
After the 19-year-old played in just two wins, Sanderson is tipping him for a more fruitful season if he can make his way to Port.
“They’re going to be such a powerful team next year Port Adelaide, they’re going a take a big jump,” Sanderson told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I can see them and Carton obviously being the big improvers in 2023 and finding a way to get into the eight and potentially top four for Port Adelaide, they have got a really good squad.
“Things didn’t go their way this year… but Horne-Francis, he’s worth that (top pick) coming back the other way and if there’s a deal that can be done with West Coast somehow in a three-way trade that they can potentially get their hands on pick two, maybe that’s the trade that gets it done.”
A trade seeing involving West Coast’s pick 2 going to North Melbourne to allow Horne-Francis to move to Alberton – along with other moving parts – has been floated as a way for the Power to get their man.
Port have currently got picks 8 and 33 to help out in a deal this year, as well as their first round pick next year. But, as Sanderson expects, it could turn into a late first rounder and be of less value to North.
“When you’re dealing with future picks, they’re obviously tied to the clubs. I think Port Adelaide are going to be big improvers next year so that pick… a future first round could be anywhere between 8 and 14, you just don’t really know,” he added.
“So once again, you need to have a handle on next year’s draft.”
The Roos are yet to state they will trade Horne-Francis but are expected to let the midfield bull depart for the right offer.