Coach Ken Hinkley needs to downplay the dazzling debut of Jason Horne-Francis at Port Adelaide.
Horne-Francis produced a surprising first severe outing in Power colors on Saturday, inspiring a 54-point thrashing of flag fancies Brisbane.
The No.1 draft choose in 2021 controversially walked out of North Melbourne after only one season to return dwelling to South Australia.
Horne-Francis’ determination prompted criticism after his perspective was questioned throughout a turbulent time at North.
But Hinkley defended the teenager as a “solid person” after his membership debut featured 25 disposals, 11 rating involvements, 10 inside 50s, seven clearances and a objective.
“He was a really solid player for us but I feel like he’s a really solid person,” he stated.
“And he is home, he’s happy – they are things that help make you become a good footballer.
“He is nineteen, an extended, lengthy option to go.
“He will make some mistakes, he will have some days where it won’t be quite as good as today was.
“But he must be mighty proud and his household must be mighty proud that he is again dwelling and he performed like a younger man who was very comfortable to be dwelling.”
Horne-Francis won the first clearance of Port’s season, snapped a stirring early goal, and triggered his new club’s third-term blitz of the Lions.
In that quarter, his 12 disposals included five inside 50s and three clearances as the Power slammed on eight goals to one.
“He was choose one within the draft so let’s not spend an excessive amount of time speaking round what he’s able to,” Hinkley stated.
“Because that’s the reason you go choose one within the draft: you are actually succesful.
“You have got to execute consistently over a long period of time to be recognised as a really good to great player and that’s what he’s hoping to do.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
