Port are keeping calm on star mid Jason Horne-Francis' fitness just three weeks out from round one, despite his lingering foot injury quickly ending his participation in Friday's match-simulation hitout against the Crows.

Horne-Francis, who underwent surgery in the offseason to address the foot injury which saw him miss the back end of the 2025 season.

The 22-year-old left the ground during the second quarter of Port's unofficial scratch match against their cross-town rivals, and did not return to play.

On review of the match, Power assistant coach Luke Webster said it was "awareness" in his foot which saw Horne-Francis withdrawn.

"Obviously, we're going to have a really good look at what that might mean. But again, you know it's we're going to be cautious with all our players," Webster said.

Ahead of scans on Saturday, Horne-Francis was optimistic about his fitness on the eve of the season.

"I think it was just being extra careful," he told 7 News.

"I couldn't really figure out what happened....I just had a couple contests, and then I got up and started running and just felt it a little bit in my foot.

"It's definitely been frustrating. I think when you just want to be out on the track in preseason and get your body right and be fit. I think you appreciate preseason, even knowing how hard it is, but you appreciate it when it gets taken away from you.

"I definitely feel I can turn it around and hopefully have a good season."

According to reports, scans cleared any fears of major damage with Horne-Francis a chance of returning quickly to match play this weekend.

Horne-Francis has been managed across Port's preparations for 2026 under new head coach Josh Carr, with setbacks present from day one - when he left the track early in November with the recurring foot concern.

Carr locked the Wardaman man in for the match sim with the Crows early, with the club reportedly still confident on his condition a few weekends out from round one.

The Power travel to Perth for a preseason community series match with West Coast on Sunday before heading to Marvel Stadium for round one against North Melbourne on March 15.

Horne-Francis is yet to face his former club after leaving the Roos at the end of his debut year in 2022.