North Melbourne player green lights fans booing Jason Horne-Francis

A North Melbourne player has given the go ahead to continue ugly attacks being sent in the direction of a teenage AFL star.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 28: Jason Horne-Francis of the Power looks on during the 2023 AFL Round 07 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on April 28, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Wilson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The booing of Jason Horne-Francis has continued in round seven with the Port Adelaide youngster this time being targeted by St Kilda fans.

After being traded to the Power after a tumultuous season with North Melbourne, fans have singled out the 19-year-old.

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While it’s understandable North fans might feel contempt towards the talented teen, other clubs showering him with boos has drawn widespread criticism.

Horne-Francis silenced the embarrassing scenes from St Kilda fans on Friday night as he delivered a career-best display.

The ugly nature of the booing was condemned on Sunday by footy greats, but one North Melbourne player gave the green light to his club’s supporters to rain down on the young star.

The Kangaroos and Power will square off in round nine when they venture down to Blundstone Arena in Tasmania.

Will Phillips appeared on the Sunday Footy Show and was asked about the divisive topic.

“I think it’s understandable if they want to have a boo,” he said.

“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.”

The remarks from the North star divided opinions on social media with some praising his honesty while others weren’t happy he helped fuel the ugly nature of the booing.

One user wrote: “Train wreck. Had the chance to come out and try and stop the booing but instead has given the green light.”

"It's probably unfair for other teams to do that but understandable for the North fans."

North Melbourne's Will Phillips on the booing of his former teammate Jason Horne-Francis.#9AFLSFS | @Channel9pic.twitter.com/OYICUw1iLq

— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 30, 2023

Kane Cornes praised Horne-Francis’ dominant display as the Power toppled the top-of-the-table Saints.

The booing from the St Kilda fans comes in the wake of the youngster being targeted by opposing clubs throughout the opening six rounds of the season, an ugly pattern that Tony Jones says must come to an end immediately.

“The downside is the booing which has got to stop. It’s sheep mentality at the moment and there was no need for any St Kilda supporter to be booing that young man on Friday night,” Jones said.

Cornes responded: “I think it will, I think it’ll fade out. They’ll understand it isn’t having any impact on him.

Nathan Brown interjected: “So what’s the answer Tone? Do clubs have to make a statement, because I think people will go the other way.”

Jones said emphatically: “Just grow up. Essendon have got a chance to make a statement next week when they play them and be the bigger club. It is just ridiculous and there is no reason for any other club.”

"It's got to stop. It's sheep mentality and there was no need for any St Kilda supporter to be booing that young man."

The panel reacts to the continued booing of Jason Horne-Francis, and whether more clubs could soon take a stand in support of the teen.#9AFLSFS | @Channel9pic.twitter.com/8GfDiHRkcr

— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) April 30, 2023

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.”

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.”

Originally published as North Melbourne player green lights fans booing Jason Horne-Francis