Further doubt has been cast over Port Adelaide gun Jason Horne-Francis' status to feature in Round 1 after he exited the Power's 20-point loss to Adelaide before the second half.
Horne-Francis was taken from the field during the trial match at Alberton because of a foot issue, with the club saying Horne-Francis reported "minor awareness" in his foot. He was subsequently rested for the remainder of the match.
The flare-up continues a troubled pre-season for the 22-year-old, who required foot surgery last November, with the latest concern taking place in the same foot.
Horne-Francis' 2025 campaign was also 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.
Horne-Francis had only rejoined full pre-season training in recent weeks, with Power senior coach Josh Carr telling AFL.com.au that he wasn't yet locked in to face his former club North Melbourne for the Power's season-opener on March 15.
His inability to see out the first half in his return to competitive football certainly increases the concern around his chances of getting fit, with just over three weeks until the Power's season officially kicks off.
Port Adelaide's second and final pre-season clash will take place against the West Coast Eagles on Sunday, March 1, at Mineral Resources Park.
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