Horne-Francis in doubt for remainder of season following injury in win against Eagles

Jarred Cross Published July 15, 2025 at 3.30pm (AWST)

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Port Adelaide have ruled out Jason Horne-Francis, saying the young gun will likely require surgery for a foot fracture sustained at the weekend. (Image: AAP)

Jason Horne-Francis won't feature in the AFL's newest grudge match this weekend, with doubts also over his availability the remainder of the season.

Port Adelaide confirmed Horne-Francis will likely undergo surgery to help mend a fracture in his foot suffered during the club's late escape over West Coast at the weekend.

Horne-Francis was among the Power's best for the afternoon despite the injury. He collected 27 touches and 3.1 on the scoresheet - including a pair of majors in a five-goals-to-none final term to lodge a 27-point win.

The 22-year-old went into duel with Eagles young gun Harley Reid across heated exchanges during the contest.

Horne-Francis won't feature when Port travels to Tasmania to play Hawthorn on Saturday night, with indications Sunday's win might be his last on-field contribution for 2025.

"Jason Horne-Francis has been ruled out of this weekend's game against Hawthorn in Launceston," Port said on Monday afternoon.

"Horne-Francis sustained an acute fracture in his foot from an incident in Sunday's game and is likely to require surgery. A return timeline will become clearer in the coming days."

Port will also be missing a host of stars already ruled out for the rest of the year.

Among them is Sam Powell-Pepper, who suffered a second ACL in 18 months against Brisbane early this month.

Skipper Connor Rozee will be assessed this week, the club said, after being subbed off with what was later confirmed to be a fractured hand injured during the Eagles match.

The Power remain a mathematical, though unlikely, chance of playing finals football in 2025, sitting three wins out of the top eight in 11th position with six home and away rounds to go.

Saturday's clash with the sixth-placed Hawks is likely to have been circled on both teams' calendar.

Bad blood brewed between the clubs following Port's home semi final win in September last year, spurred by animated moments from coach Ken Hinkley.

Ahead of their last meeting in April, Horne-Francis was happy to speak of how he drew off the new rivalry.

Port claimed a five-goal win in round five, making it four wins straight over Hawthorn.

The most recent win was later overshadowed by a prolonged arduous period for Willie Rioli.