Power Star's Pre-Season Interrupted by Injury Scare
Port Adelaide's pre-season preparations have suffered an early setback with young gun Jason Horne-Francis forced from the track with a foot injury on the opening day of training. The 22-year-old midfielder appeared in significant discomfort during Monday's session at Alberton Oval, pointing to his foot before slowly limping from the field surrounded by club medical staff.
History Repeats for Troubled Foot
The concerning incident comes just months after Horne-Francis underwent surgery on the same foot in July, which prematurely ended his 2024 campaign. Club officials immediately sent the superstar for scans to determine the extent of the new injury, with the Power faithful holding their breath given the recent history. Horne-Francis was among the senior players returning early alongside captain Connor Rozee and other established names as the club's first-to-fourth year players commenced work under new senior coach Josh Carr.
New Era Begins Amid Injury Concern
While the Horne-Francis injury dominated headlines, there was plenty of positive activity at Alberton as the Josh Carr era officially began. Key players including Miles Bergman, Jack Lukosius, Josh Sinn and Lachie Jones joined the training group, while new recruits Corey Durdin (Carlton) and Jacob Wehr (GWS) made their first appearances since securing trades. Former North Melbourne and Collingwood player Jaidyn Stephenson is expected to join the group soon as he attempts to earn a spot on the rookie list.
The club also revealed several jumper number changes for the upcoming season, with Jackson Mead switching to the prestigious number 3 and Christian Moraes taking number 11. In a touching tribute to retiring great Travis Boak, the club announced his number 10 guernsey would be temporarily retired. Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson stated the move appropriately acknowledged Boak's extraordinary contribution across 387 games and 19 seasons with the club.
Other notable number changes include Jacob Wehr (15), Will Brodie (23), Tom Cochrane (26), and new recruit Corey Durdin who will wear number 44. The Power community now anxiously awaits news on Horne-Francis's scan results as the club hopes to avoid a major disruption to their 2025 preparations.
