Horne-Francis locked in for AFL debut

Oliver Caffrey | March 17, 2022

North Melbourne have confirmed No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis has been selected for their opening-round AFL clash with Hawthorn.

The 18-year-old will make his debut at the MCG on Sunday, with the Kangaroos a huge chance to start their second season under coach David Noble with a victory.

Horne-Francis has fitted in seamlessly at Arden St after being recruited from South Adelaide last November.

Noble informed the promising midfielder he would be taking on the Hawks during a meeting with North’s coaching group, with Horne-Francis’ family phoning in from Adelaide.

Horne-Francis has received comparisons to Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield and Brisbane Lions legend Michael Voss for his explosive power.

“He was getting a bit teary,” Noble said when he told Horne-Francis he would be playing.

“We shouldn’t underestimate just because he’s the first pick that there’s an expectations that just occurs.

“He’s a really down-to-earth, level-headed young man and he’s just really excited.

“He was really grateful he had his mum and dad on the call.”

Recruits Hugh Greenwood (Gold Coast) and Callum Coleman-Jones (Richmond) will also play their first games for the Kangaroos after moving to North during the off-season.

Noble said veteran midfielder Ben Cunnington was back in at the club a few days a week as he recovers from testicular cancer.

“He’s doing a bit of walking, a little bit of work on the treadmill and we’ll escalate that as we move forward,” Noble said.

“He’ll take the family away for a bit of a break in April … but it’s just great to have him back around.”