New Port Adelaide recruit Jason Horne-Francis has undergone surgery just weeks after joining the Power.
Horne-Francis will be on a modified program start to the pre-season as a result of the surgery which was aimed to ease leg pain the 19-year-old has suffered in 2022.
The former Roo underwent surgery on Wednesday to decompress the arteries behind his knees.
Jason Horne-Francis will have a slightly restricted start to pre-season training after having surgery to ease leg pain which has troubled him over the past year.
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) October 28, 2022
Port maintains Horne-Francis is expected to be available for Round 1 next season.
Port head of medical services Tim O’Leary told the club’s website: “When the club committed to pursuing Jason during the trade period, we were made aware he had been managing ongoing, at times debilitating, pain in both calves and feet throughout the 2022 season.
“Our subsequent investigation revealed he had significant compression of the arteries in the back of his knees, causing blockage to the blood flow to his lower legs.
“Following consultation with numerous specialists, and consideration of the advised options as to how to treat the issue, we decided it was best for Jason’s health, and ongoing football performance, that he have the surgery now to release the pressure on the arteries and restore normal blood flow to his lower legs.
“He is now recovering well and will build into pre-season training, with a view to being ready to play in the 2023 season opener.”
Horne-Francis joined Port in a stunning four-way trade after a bombshell trade request on the eve of the trade period.
The 2021 number one draft pick endured a difficult debut season with the Roos through numerous off-field indiscretions but showed flashes of brilliance to average 16.5 disposals per game.