Jason Horne-Francis has officially requested a trade in a bombshell move ahead of the trade period opening on Monday.
As first broken by AFL Media’s Callum Twomey late on Sunday, North Melbourne confirmed that last year’s number one draft pick has asked to be traded back home to South Australia.
Twomey’s report states that Port Adelaide is in the frame to land the on-baller, with SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund saying the Power will likely offer their pick 8 in this year’s draft, as well as their future first-round pick.
The centerpiece of the Port Adelaide offer is this year’s pick 8 and next year’s first round selection. https://t.co/ss8bNnwAH9
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) October 2, 2022
FULL CLUB STATEMENT
North Melbourne has been informed by Jason Horne-Francis’ management that he will seek a trade to a South Australian club during the upcoming Trade Period.
Horne-Francis played 17 games for the Roos after coming to the club via the No.1 selection in last year’s NAB AFL Draft.
He was awarded the club’s Best Young Player Award at last month’s Syd Barker Medal event and he earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his 20-disposal performance against Carlton in Round 7.
North Melbourne list manager Brady Rawlings said the club would consider its options following the request.
“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.”