Jason Horne-Francis is looking to prove the doubters wrong with Port Adelaide in 2023.
That is the opinion of former South Adelaide teammate Bryce Gibbs who believes the midfield prodigy is setting himself for a massive first season with the Power.
Horne-Francis, the no.1 draft pick from 2021, turned heads when he opted to up and leave North Melbourne late last year after just one season at Arden Street.
The youngster has been criticised for walking out on the Roos to sign a six-year deal with the Power and is determined to vindicate his decision to those who have “knocked” him.
HORNE-FRANCIS GOES UNDER THE KNIFE FOR PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN “AT TIMES DEBILITATING” PAIN
“He’s really good,” Gibbs said on SEN Breakfast.
“He was even in a better space before he had this little hiccup and this surgery. He was running some personal best times and was really keen to hit pre-season on a strong note.
“He’s back running now and he’ll ramp up his program over the next couple of months and be ready to go.
“He’s really keen to prove a few wrong that have knocked his decision to come back home.”
Former Crows midfielder Gibbs is also expecting Port to be back around the mark in 2023 after failing to play finals last year.
He believes Horne-Francis’ natural improvement, along with that of fellow 2021 draftee Josh Sinn plus established youngsters such as Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma, will go a long way in pushing the Power back up the ladder.
“Port are primed to bounce back as well this year,” he added.
“They’re extremely well placed and the improvement of Jason, Butters, Josh Sinn and Duursma can really take this club back to the top eight this year.”
Horne-Francis aside, Port also added Junior Rioli from West Coast, Francis Evans from Geelong and a number of draftees including Tom McCallum and Tom Scully.
They open the 2023 season proper against Brisbane at the Adelaide Oval on March 18.