GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Jason Horne of the NAB AFL Academy kicks the ball during the match between the NAB AFL Academy and the Geelong Cats VFL side at GMHBA Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos)

The premium prospect in this year's draft class, Jason Horne-Francis has accumulated a dazzling reputation to his name across the course of his young career.

The South Australian teenaged sensation is all but locked in to join the Kangaroos at Pick 1 in the draft, with his unparalleled mix of speed, power and athleticism seeing North Melbourne share little attention anywhere else.

While many AFL hopefuls looked to piece together their profiles in the junior ranks and in limited sample sizes due to the impacts of COVID-19, Horne-Francis has been able to show an adept ability to compete in some of the highest standards in the country.

A predominant feature for South Adelaide's seniors side this year in the SANFL, the 18-year-old played a major hand in the Panthers' deep finals run, even amassing 24 touches and three majors in their preliminary final loss to Glenelg.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Jason Horne of the NAB AFL Academy in action during the match between the NAB AFL Academy and the Geelong Cats VFL side at GMHBA Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The hard-nosed midfielder is an explosive product that can win his own ball at ground level and in the air, outmuscling his opponent and showing off his impressive vertical capabilities.

Those traits also come useful when Horne-Francis moves into attack, with the Panthers jet also having a stellar ability to impact the scoreboard, standing as an overwhelming threat in the forward 50.

Closely compared to Brownlow medallists Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield, Horne-Francis is sure to be the face of the Kangaroos journey back to premiership contention.

Team: South Adelaide
Position: Midfield/Forward
Height: 185cm
Weight: 81kg

Strengths

Power
Ball-Winner
Aerial Ability
Tackling
Ability to move forward
Ready-Made

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Jason Horne of the NAB AFL Academy takes a big mark during the match between the NAB AFL Academy and the Geelong Cats VFL side at GMHBA Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos)

Weaknesses

Disposal outcome

Draft Range

1

Potential Landing Spots

North Melbourne (Pick 1)

AFL Comparisons

Patrick Dangerfield
Nat Fyfe

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats breaks clear of a tackle by Nathan Fyfe of the Dockers during the round one AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Geelong Cats at Domain Stadium on March 26, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Expert Comments

"Medium midfielder who stocks continued to rise after a standout year at League level in the SANFL topped off by a best on ground performance in a losing preliminary final having 24 disposals and kicking three goals in a damaging display for this young gun. An All Australian and his state’s MVP at Under 16s level just three years ago, he has now had two years of senior football under his belt and looks ready for the next step. Has rare ball winning ability whether it’s at stoppages or overhead and is a dangerous player near goals." - Kevin Sheehan

"Horne-Francis brings with him great excitement that will add plenty of star factor to North Melbourne's list: he's tough, physical, aggressive, mercurial and capable of brilliance around the ball. His preliminary final performance for South Adelaide put a full stop on his ascent to the top of the draft order and with Nat Fyfe-like aerial exploits for a midfielder, Horne-Francis is set to excite Roos fans for a long time to come." - Cal Twomey 

"Physically he’s quite a powerful, strong competitor. He’s courageous, he doesn’t second guess going for a ground ball, a high ball or a tackle. He’s one of the most ferocious players I’ve coached at this level and he’s only 18. I think he was physically and mentally ready to step in at some stage this year. Whether or not that’s Round 1 next year, or Round 5 or Round 10, that will all be part of his journey over the pre-season." - Jarrad Wright