Search

show me:

Port's Horne-Francis presses for return after injury

3 minute read

Port Adelaide could be boosted by the return from a hamstring injury of on-baller Jason Horne-Francis for their Gather Round game against Essendon.

JASON HORNE-FRANCIS.
JASON HORNE-FRANCIS. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Port Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis is pushing to return from a hamstring injury in Friday night's AFL clash against Essendon.

Horne-Francis, who has missed the past two games, trained strongly on Tuesday to raise hopes of being available.

"He got through training which is a huge tick, especially coming off a hamstring ... he looks like he's moving really well," teammate Dan Houston told reporters.

"He still needs to get through captain's run (training) but I assume he'll be a chance."

Horne-Francis' return would be a boost for the Power as they digest their seven-point loss to Melbourne last Saturday night.

Port controlled key statistics - they had 21 more inside 50s, more disposals and more scoring shots than the Demons, but still lost.

"We felt like we dominated in a lot of areas, all bar getting the win," Houston said.

"Our focus this week has been on those little things and making sure we're getting better and improving.

"It was round three but we've learned some very valuable lessons."

The eighth-placed Power and the Bombers in ninth spot both have two wins and a loss entering their Adelaide Oval encounter, which will be Houston's 150th AFL game.

The classy halfback said his milestone was significant, given his journey from being a 2016 rookie-list pick to an All Australian.

"When I got drafted, the first thing was I just wanted to play one game," he said.

"And then once I played one and got a taste of it, I just wanted to keep playing.

"It's hard, you're always down the pecking order when you come in as a rookie-listed player - and I definitely deserved to be a rookie, I'm not going to shy away from that, I had a lot to work on.

"I felt like I improved pretty rapidly in one year and then was able to play some footy so I think it was a good challenge for me and then you always try build each year."

What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au