Jason Horne-Francis

Horne-Francis was known as a rising star since junior football. Growing up, he supported the Fremantle Dockers.[2] He was named the Most Valuable Player for South Australia when he captained the under-16 state team. He was also captain of the South Australian under-19 team,[3] during which he was named All-Australian. He played senior SANFL since age 17, and was named best-on-ground in the 2021 preliminary final.[4]

In 2021, Horne-Francis was the first South Australian since Bryce Gibbs (2006) to be chosen as the first pick in the national draft.[5] When joining the Kangaroos, Horne-Francis had the choice between numbers 6 and 18 for his jumper. He chose 6 because the number 18 was closely associated with Kangaroos legend Wayne Carey, and Horne-Francis wanted to carve his own path.[5][6]

Horne-Francis dropped out of school in year 11 to work at the Fleurieu Milk Company,[3] his father's milk bottle factory.[7] He credits this experience, as well as his stepfather's influence, with maturing him as a person.[8] Born Jason Horne, in 2021 he added the Francis name after his step father, former AFL player Fabian Francis.[9][10][3] Horne-Francis' mother is Trish Francis, formerly Gully.