North Melbourne’s worst nightmare has just come true, with prized number one draft pick Jason Horne-Francis requesting a trade.
The South Australian-born Horne-Francis wants to be traded to Port Adelaide, despite being contracted until the end of 2023.
The 19-year old has battled homesickness and media scrutiny in a difficult first AFL season, as the Roos won just two games to finish with a second consecutive wooden spoon.
Rumours have frequently swirled that he was unhappy at the struggling club, with the Kangaroos reportedly unimpressed by him travelling back to South Australia without their knowledge mid-season.
Horne-Francis also famously ‘liked’ a fake trade post on social media suggesting he be traded to the Power.
North list manager Brady Rawlings confirmed the youngster’s trade request in a statement on Sunday night, but maintained the club intends to hold him to his contract.
“Jason is contracted for next year, we’ve invested significantly in him as our first-ever No.1 pick just 12 months ago and we view him as a key part of the club’s plans going forward,” Rawlings said.
“We appreciate Jason’s circumstances but at the same time we’re determined to look after the best interests of North Melbourne.”
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Its still nice to have the possibilities though. Its been awhile since we've had the chance and usually.doesnt cost to.much to have a look at.them either. Fingers crossed we can at least.one or two gems in there somewhere.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
don't know if they are any good,lol
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Dam thats quite exciting as well. Theres a Montgomery in this years draft but I think his name is spelt different so not sure if thats the right one or not.lol.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
This isn’t a restricted free agency negotiation! Trade him this year or lose him for nothing next year ????♂️
Maxy
Roar Rookie
think I read names like Francou,Montgomery and Wakelin or wilson
ChrisH
Roar Rookie
If I don't generalise a bit, i'll write some long boring detailed essay that no one will want to read! :laughing:
Carltonian
Guest
When North was doing fairly well a decade back, they lowballed Carlton on Jarrad Waite when the Blues were on their knees. I don't think the Blues got anything for Waite. So, I think they can jam whatever they get where the sun don't shine. You won't get much sympathy from Carlton people North. Many wooden spoons to come for the Northerners.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I reckon your spot on man. It would be nice if we can use a player for junior too and leave us a pick. I think they laughed at that at first with Fredrick but could of just been posturing as well. Dam I can't remember the father sons on the radar ill have to google, I think maybe monty had a kid coming through.
Shinboner 1971
Roar Rookie
If that is what Port are willing to pay for, then they need to cough up the first round picks, because at 19 he isn’t worth half that.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Yeah,a couple of players might be on the move I think.With Finlayson doing well in the ruck looks like he will play the second ruck role with scooter,think they like De Vensinti as a project ruckman and have Teakle as a ruck/forward type which makes Sam Hayes future bleak,his brother will get drafted this year so will be interested to see what happens there.Fredericks has some interest from westcoast by all reports,could be part of the Rioli deal .Think we have some father/son on the go also so Crippa is flat out like a lizard drinking atm
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
North will take Butters, Rozee and Brendon the First. Alright, and Adam.... but that's our final offer.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
If he was playing off the bench for the Cats & was involved in the Geelong premiership, do you think he would be requesting a trade back to Adelaide?
rainstorms
Guest
Give him a break, he's young and just finished his first season. Dangerfield was much older when he got homesick and went back to the Cats.
HR
Roar Rookie
Perhaps his stepdad has reformed himself, but he was a piece of work back then.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
... and family ties to the Yatala First 18 ...
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
So North will be happy to pay his nominated conditions ... shall we say $2m for his first 2 seasons?
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Its actually quite exciting isn't it, whether it's enough to get us to the top next year is other question bit it definitely looks good for the future thats for sure. Maybe ollie lord can play that role will be interesting to see.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Port could hardly be described as a "bigger club"! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
ChrisH
Roar Rookie
Yep, gotta be more protections for clubs. The weaker clubs end up just becoming academies for the bigger clubs.
Jeff
Guest
Takes one to know one.