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.”
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(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
McKay joins Curnow in inking monster new Blues deal
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.”
Cat
Roar Guru
Dons can’t even win a final let alone a flag since 2004.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
:laughing: Very unlikely- more possible is dons take a gap year.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
We will see the blues and Collingwood are gonna drop next year
O M
Roar Rookie
Look at the mess GWS and the Suns have put themselves in paying players overs just to stay at the Club. Contrast that with Richmond and Geelong who retain Players through Culture and Success. Teams like GWS & Suns need to get good people into the Club, in all positions from Admin through to the Football Department, build an attractive culture and from that build sustainable success.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Um no chance -
G money
Roar Rookie
respectfully disagree.. As good as he is, Cripps is easier to replace than weitering
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Don’t worry the bombers will win a flag before the blues.
Macca
Roar Rookie
In the first 8 games this year McKay kicked 20.11 (compared to Curnow 33.15 in 11 games), in the last half of the year he kicked 24.20 (Compared to Curnow 31.27). Poor kicking for goal certainly did hurt us in the second half of the year but Curnow was as much to blame as McKay and to be worried about a 204cm player who has kicked over 100 goals in his last 38 games lsoing form or getting injured is an incredibly negative view. And yes the contract is long but we have no idea what the dollar figure is, I think these players have sacrifced dollars for length.
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Cripps is G money . By a long way
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Will make it - count ‘em in next 5& beyond
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
He won’t leave .
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Saad been a revelation since coming across from the Hanger. We love him & I bet he looks back at the Debarcle and is still laughing.. more to follow him out the hanger… Blues know how to handle players & their wages Charlie- how’s life @ BOMBER Land- emphasis on BOMB… Go blues
Diesel-747
Roar Rookie
Blake Acres has been the pick up of the trade period .almost won FFC B&F- . Will slot in beautifully along side some Quality mids. How did Freo let him go… why did they let him go? Freo surely must let Fyfe GO & free up cap space. He has passed it-(2 yrs ago) . Fyfe you’d think would go , or at least take a 3\4 pay cut & let some genuine youngsters get a go. Hence the attitude Don…
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Feel sorry for Nth lots of hardships without a coach to steer the ship. Reckon they will let him go & stay clear of interstate players in future. Buy local & get on with replenishing Vic stock. Also don’t buy Geelong locals either they go home to mummy as well.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I think you get the point I am making. I will compare him to Brad Hill at the same age. His first season he mainly played for Box Hill, the second season he played in a Premiership team that had only lost 3 games thru the entire season. He didn't start requesting a trade until 2016 when his contracted ended & the Hawks were in no position to match the $800K that Fremantle were offering. The Hawks had to trade otherwise they would lose him to the pre season draft. I think North should stand strong & tell him to suck it up.
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
OM, I compare it to wise punter not backing a horse at low odds or a smart bidder at an auction knowing that house just isn't worth the price. Sometimes, as much as you want to get the deal done with a player, you just have to say NO.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
His family are mad prison bar folk when he is home he puts on his port beanie :stoked:
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
I thought he was asking for a release because he was homesick for SA, not because he wanted to play specifically for Port. That lowers his credibility even more.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Hmmm usually where there's smoke there's fire, doesn't always mean it'll burn brightly but you have a little flame at least. That would be a good get and probs a fair trade too.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Hope so but unlikely but rumours have been swirling. My wife ‘s nephew told me his good mates with his bro & the dogs have been talking to his manager for the last 4 to 5 months knowing that Dunkley was heading to Brisbane, wait & see l guess!