Horne-Francis shines on return before suffering fresh injury concern

Jackson Clark Published June 16, 2025 at 3.30pm (AWST)

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Jason Horne-Francis suffered a shoulder injury late in the Power's win over Melbourne on Sunday. (Image: AFL)

Port Adelaide midfielder Jason Horne-Francis made an explosive return from a hamstring strain at the weekend, however his comeback was clouded by a fresh injury scare.

The Wardaman man was among the Power's best in their 25-point victory over Melbourne at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, finishing with 29 disposals, a goal, and a game-high seven clearances.

However Horne-Francis was unable to complete the match after injuring his shoulder during a fend-off in the final quarter.

Following the injury the 21-year-old went to the changerooms for assessment, before re-emerging to the bench where he remained for the rest of the game.

Speaking to The Advertiser post-match, Horne-Francis said he didn't believe the injury was serious.

"It's just a bit of a tweak I think, hopefully not too bad," Horne-Francis said.

"I just came out of a stiff arm and felt it pull up a bit sore.

"I was hoping to come back on and battle through it, plonk myself and take one of their defenders out of the game if I could do that, but we took the careful approach keeping me off.

"We'll see how it goes and probably get scans on it."

Jason Horne-Francis gathered 29 disposals on return from a hamstring injury. (Image; AFL)

Power coach Ken Hinkley echoed similar sentiments during his post-game press conference.

"We had a bit of carnage late in the game, with 'Hornet' getting a stinger and someone else coming off," Hinkley said.

"We don't get any medical updates tonight other than 'It's a bit sore', but he should be OK.

"We'd like him to be OK, as he had a pretty good start coming back (from injury)."

Sunday's clash was Horne-Francis' first game in nearly a month, having sustained a hamstring injury in the opening term of the Round 11 loss to Geelong.

Despite missing two matches, his recovery was helped by Port's mid-season bye, which allowed for a solid ten-day training block.

"I got put through some big sessions and they needed to do some tests as well to make sure I was good to play," he said.

"It held me in good stead because it felt really good tonight.

"Kenny (coach Ken Hinkley) was sitting up on the balcony chirping and I was running a few pre-season drills, which really helped me.

"You're getting put through your paces a bit and it was a bit tough out there, but it helped me and it was good to play like I did (yesterday).

"I was close (last week) – if it was a final I probably would've played."