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North Melbourne fans are reeling from the news that last year’s No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis has requested a trade to Port Adelaide.
More details have emerged of the homesick young gun’s bid to return to South Australia after the story broke on Sunday night, with early reports suggesting the controversy surrounding recently appointed coach Alastair Clarkson is a factor in Horne-Francis’ decision.
According to the Herald Sun, the club had pinned its hopes to retain the 19-year old on winning Clarkson’s signature, with Horne-Francis’ fallout with Roos coaches spanning months.
Former coach David Noble reportedly expressed frustration with Horne-Francis’ lack of professionalism during the year, with his infamous spray to players following their 108-point loss to Brisbane in Round 3 leaving him in tears.
Former Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes also reported on SEN that Horne-Francis is only interested in a trade to Port Adelaide, having undertaken a secret meeting with Power officials.
“Port Adelaide was really impressed by him and his character, albeit understanding he had some challenges last year,” Cornes said.
“We saw that play out a couple of times – he was dropped a couple of times, put his contract talks on hold, had some disciplinary action and was suspended.
“But the prospect for Port Adelaide of getting Jason Horne-Francis, Zak Butters, [and] Connor Rozee with Ollie Wines into that midfield is something they’re clearly incredibly excited about pursuing.
“He’s not interested at all at even looking or speaking to the Adelaide Football Club.”
Horne-Francis is contracted to North Melbourne for 2023, with the Roos already expressing their commitment to retain him.
“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,” Kangaroos list manager Rawlings said in a statement on Sunday night.
“We appreciate Jason’s circumstances, but at the same time we’re determined to look after the best interests of North Melbourne.”
>> Head here for all the latest AFL Trade Rumours
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Harry McKay has become the latest Blue to sign a long-term contract extension to remain at Carlton, the star forward putting pen to paper on a whopping seven-year deal.
McKay was already contracted to the end of 2023, but the Blues have moved quickly to quash any free agency interest in the 2021 Coleman Medallist, with the new deal tying him to Ikon Park until the end of 2030.
McKay joins fellow star forward and 2022 Coleman winner Charlie Curnow in signing a long-term deal, with Curnow on a six-year contract that expires at the end of 2029.
“It is a dream job playing footy but to do it with this group, where a lot of us have grown up together in a way, it makes this a unique and special environment to be part of,” McKay told Blues media on Monday morning.
“To come to work every day as part of a group that has a clear vision of where we want to take our football club, that gives you every motivation you need as a player.
“Add to that the support we have from everyone at the Club, as well as the most passionate supporter base in the country – to play for the Carlton Football Club really is something special.
“All those reasons make it obvious why I wanted to commit long term, now the focus is putting ourselves in a position at the end of each season to make a real impact.”
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