Part of the reasoning behind Jason Horne-Francis’ AFL axing has been revealed following a report by 7 News’ Mitch Cleary.
Horne-Francis was a surprise omission for North Melbourne’s side to take on Adelaide when teams were released on Thursday evening. The 19-year-old hadn’t been dropped this year but had missed games through hamstring issues and suspension.
Cleary suggested the 2021 No.1 draft pick’s recovery protocols weren’t up to North Melbourne’s standard and that was an aspect of him being dropped from the Round 22 side.
7NEWS can reveal disobeying his new coach has led to number one pick Jason Horne-Francis being dumped by North Melbourne for what was meant to be his first AFL game in front of family and friends in South Australia. @cleary_mitch @7AFL #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/F96pBdKCd4
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) August 12, 2022
“The star teenager was called out by interim coach Leigh Adams and senior players on Sunday for failing to complete his proper ice bath and recovery in front of their very eyes,” Cleary began.
“It’s contributed to him being dropped for what was meant to be his first AFL games in front of family and friends in front of South Australia.
“Horne-Francis is contracted for next year, but fresh queries will come on whether he’ll seek a trade home having parking contract talks to season’s end.”
He trained with teammates in Melbourne on Friday.
Horne-Francis, a South Australian, now won’t return to Adelaide to play in front of friends and family. He’s missed all three games against SA sides after not playing against the Crows and Power earlier in the year.
Horne-Francis has only gathered more than 20 possessions once in his last nine games.
North Melbourne plays Adelaide on Saturday afternoon at Adelaide Oval.
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