AFL trades: Jason Horne-Francis three-way trade a possibility as Eagles play hard-ball

West Coast’s hard-line stance over a three-way trade could see the deal fall over forcing Jason Horne-Francis into an agonising wait until late in the trade period.

Jason Horne-Francis is set to seal his move to Port. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne is in talks about a three-way deal which could secure the club pick two in return for Jason Horne-Francis.

In a big development on Wednesday, Port Adelaide, North and West Coast were discussing the key parts of a deal to send Horne-Francis and Junior Rioli to the Power and secure pick two for the Kangaroos.

It would see West Coast split its pick two in exchange for the Power’s pick eight and its future first-round draft pick.

The Eagles would slide back six selections in the first round of the draft order but pickup a first-round choice in next year’s draft which contains some exciting top-end talents from Western Australia.

Jason Horne-Francis requested a trade after a tough year at North Melbourne.

Horne-Francis is set to return to his home state of South Australia.

However, the Eagles made clear on Wednesday night they would need more to go ahead with the deal, as they believe pick two is worth more than what Port and the Roos are prepared to offer up.

West Coast’s hard-line stance could see the arrangement fall over, meaning Horne-Francis may face an agonising wait until late in the trade period next week to find out whether his trade request will be granted.

As part of the initial proposal, Port would give pick two from West Coast to North Melbourne in a move which would trigger Horne-Francis’ trade home to the Power.

Port wants the deal to include Junior Rioli, West Coast’s premiership small forward who is attempting to move home to South Australia.

But West Coast is determined to play hard ball on the goal kicker to extract a first round or early second-round pick for Rioli on his own.

The Eagles parted with a huge bounty for Tim Kelly from Geelong and will be careful not to make a mistake in this year’s deals.

At pick eight in this year’s draft, West Coast could target local top-10 midfield talents Reuben Ginbey (East Perth) and Elijah Hewett (Swan Districts).

Powerful Oakleigh midfielder George Wardlaw, who missed the second half of the season with hamstring trouble, is the likely number two pick.

St Kilda great and Fox Footy analyst Leigh Montagna said the go-home factor could be key in the decision for West Coast.

“There is some merit in that (proposed deal) because the West Coast Eagles, there is a lot of talk about the go-home factor now with early draft picks,” Montagna said on Fox Footy.

“West Coast think there is some Western Australians they may be able to get a bit later in the top-10 (this year).

“If they can get a future-first (pick as well from Port Adelaide it may appeal).

“We know they are trying to accumulate some extra selections to rebuild their footy club.

“I think you could sell it by saying pick two is most likely a Victorian (Wardlaw) by the phantom drafts at the moment, so maybe if they say we don’t want to draft a Victorian on the threat he may also want to go home.

“Sounds like there is still plenty to thrash out, but it sounds like there is some conversation.”

Port Adelaide would also have to give up a player such as Riley Bonner and potentially other picks to satisfy the Eagles and Kangaroos for the two players.

Regardless, it looms as a significant move for the Power who want to bolster the team to help it rejoin the premiership contenders in the final year of Ken Hinkley’s contract.

Officials from all three clubs will have more discussions about the deal to include some appropriate late pick swaps but there is optimism the key planks in the arrangement can work for all parties, if Port and the Roos can stump up more to satisfy West Coast.

Junior Rioli’s move to Port Adelaide could be tied into the deal.

North Melbourne could be happy to receive pick two in exchange for Horne-Francis plus a potential sweetener after taking him pick one at the end of last season.

The Roos already have pick one in this year’s draft and are now circling pick two from West Coast to welcome a pair of outstanding underage prospects in November.

The move can help salvage a disappointing situation for the Kangaroos as they look to secure the best result for the exit of Horne-Francis after a turbulent first season.

He is contracted for next season but the Roos are trying to secure a suitable trade for him rather then keep him on the list against his wishes next season following criticism of his body language and professionalism this year.

West Coast has floated that it is open to splitting its first pick in this year’s draft with an even bunch of players behind likely No.1 Will Ashcroft who is set to join Brisbane as father-son. The Eagles are also eyeing Luke Jackson from Melbourne but he is intent on going to Fremantle.

The clubs involved would not comment on Wednesday night as they continue work to thrash out the deal.

Originally published as AFL trades: Jason Horne-Francis three-way trade a possibility as Eagles play hard-ball