Jason Horne-Francis set for hostile reception against North Melbourne

AFL young gun Jason Horne-Francis returns to take on his old side for the first time with a former teammate predicting fireworks.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 13: Jason Horne-Francis of the Power chats to Jy Simpkin of the Kangaroos during the round nine AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Port Adelaide Power at Blundstone Arena, on May 13, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

A former teammate predicted Jason Horne-Francis would receive a hostile reception when he returns to take on his old side.

Horne-Francis’ departure from North Melbourne came in ugly scenes as the two parties fell out in dramatic circumstances.

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After joining Port Adelaide he has received a chorus of boos from rival teams throughout the season, but it was his first outing against North when many anticipated things would explode.

Former North player Atu Bosenavulagi said behind closed doors at Arden St the midfield star has “beef” with several teammates.

North forward Cameron Zurhaar delivered potshots at his old teammate following his defection and it was Zurharr who Bosenavulagi expected to have a red-hot crack.

“There was a lot of banter internally with Jason, he was very competitive so had some beef – not serious beef – but there’d always be boys he had one-on-ones with and at times it got pretty physical, so I reckon it’ll definitely happen this weekend,” Bosenavulagi said to The Advertiser.

“I reckon Cam Zurhaar will definitely have a piece.

“I don’t think they like each other that much, so that’ll be one to expect.

“There’s a definite rivalry between those two.

“They had confrontations here and there, they were both pretty competitive at trainings, in the gyms, basically anything they did

“A lot of times it got heated … and a few times it did go pretty far verbally.”

Zurhaar is expected to have a crack. Pic: Michael Klein

North Melbourne player Will Phillips was asked for his thoughts on the booing furore that had surrounded Horne-Francis all season long, giving North supporters the green light to go after him.

“I think it’s understandable if they want to have a boo,” he said on the Sunday Footy Show.

“It’s probably unfair for other teams to do that but understandable for the North fans. They’re pretty passionate and for him to leave us like that I can understand if they want to boo.”

Power coach Ken Hinkley went into bat for the talented youngster, taking aim at the criticism being directed his way.

“Jason Horne-Francis is 19,” he said.

“Some parts really annoy me about the way people treat him. It’s annoying me.

“He’s never going to play four quarters every week. He’s 19 years old. If you’re treating my 19-year-old son the way some people have treated him, I’d be embarrassed by my performance if I was those people.

“I think it’s been really unfair. The kid made a courageous decision to come home. Let the kid play footy. He’s 19.”

Every club has gone after him. (Photo by Michael Wilson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Asked whether he was referring specifically to the booing that has begun to plague Horne-Francis around the country, Hinkley said it was the overall treatment of the young star by fans and media alike.

“I’m talking about lots of things,” he said.

“I’m talking about people who write stories every week, talk stories every week and I’m talking about the treatment that they give him, at times, tonight.

“Without making a big deal of it, the kid’s trying, he’s giving his best. He’s 19. Stop treating him like he’s 28 and treat the kid with some respect.

“And I tell you what, some people who put pressure on kids in this game need to have a good hard look at themselves.”