Port Adelaide's start to the new pre-season has commenced with concern surrounding young star Jason Horne-Francis, who was seen limping from the field at Monday's session at Alberton Oval.
The Power's emerging players return to training this week, with the entire squad set to link up later in the month following their off-season break.
At the Power's first official session of the pre-season, Horne-Francis was seen dealing with an ailment after coming from the field, with the former Pick 1 selection in talks with staff and pointing to his foot, per vision from 9 News reporter Braden Ingram.
Horne-Francis was able to walk from the field and into the club's rooms, however did not return for the rest of the session.
The vision of Horne-Francis leaving training after pointing to left foot concern:@FootyonNine https://t.co/O2FEYf0sCQ pic.twitter.com/sMpKuxgwYd
— Braden Ingram (@bradeningram) November 10, 2025
Horne-Francis' 2025 campaign was cut short due to surgery on a foot issue, with the explosive midfielder playing just 15 games for the year after being sidelined in mid-July.
The Power have four months until Round 1, giving Horne-Francis an extended period to be available for the start of the season; however, a fresh setback to his foot could heavily eat into his summer program.
In an update provided by the club, the Power confirmed Horne-Francis will have a plate from his mid-year surgery removed ahead of schedule.
"Port Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis will undergo a planned procedure to have the plate in his foot removed," the update read.
"The 22-year-old completed a good block of running and conditioning during the off-season and the fracture in his foot has now healed, following an injury he sustained in Round 18.
"The plate removal was initially slated for later in the year, but has been brought forward to alleviate ongoing irritation and to allow him to train without discomfort.
"Horne-Francis is expected to be back in training prior to the Christmas break."
The concern surrounding Horne-Francis is the latest worry for Port Adelaide's star ranks, with Zak Butters sidelined with an adductor issue that isn't expected to have a large impact on his pre-season.
Duo Ollie Wines and Mitch Georgiades have both undergone off-season arthroscopies and will also have minor delays to their pre-season programs.
Port Adelaide will look to have a large contingent of players back following long-term injuries from this year, with Miles Bergman, Jase Burgoyne, Tom Cochrane, Jack Lukosius, Todd Marshall, Esava Ratugolea, Josh Sinn, Dante Visentini and Xavier Walsh all ending the 2025 season early.
