Port Adelaide’s prized recruit Jason Horne-Francis has undergone surgery on both legs after experiencing “debilitating pain” in his calves and feet this year.
Horne-Francis rocked the AFL when he asked for a trade home to South Australia, after just one year at North Melbourne where he was the club’s first ever number one draft pick.
Port Adelaide says it was “made aware” of Horne-Francis’ ongoing leg complaint during the trade period, but weren’t scared off the deal.
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Now weeks after joining the Power in a mega-trade deal that saw North Melbourne again lose their number one draft pick, Horne-Francis has opted to go under the knife to “ease leg pain”.
“When the club committed to pursuing Jason during the trade period, we were made aware he had been managing ongoing, at times debilitating, pain in both calves and feet throughout the 2022 season,” Power head of medical services Tim O’Leary said.
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“Our subsequent investigation revealed he had significant compression of the arteries in the back of his knees, causing blockage to the blood flow to his lower legs.”
After his scan results were revealed, Horne-Francis went in for surgery on Wednesday.
“Following consultation with numerous specialists, and consideration of the advised options as to how to treat the issue, we decided it was best for Jason’s health, and ongoing football performance, that he have the surgery now to release the pressure on the arteries and restore normal blood flow to his lower legs,” O’Leary said.
“He is now recovering well and will build into pre-season training, with a view to being ready to play in the 2023 season opener.”
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Horne-Francis’ decision to opt for surgery means he won’t join the club’s fellow first to fourth year players when they report for pre-season training from November 21.
The 19-year-old will be on a modified training program before the Christmas break, while the remainder of the squad is scheduled to return on December 5.
Despite the surgery and delayed start to pre-season, the club is confident Horne-Francis will be available for Round 1 next season.
