The young midfield core of Port Adelaide, led by captain Connor Rozee and teenage sensation Jason Horne-Francis, impressed coach Ken Hinkley, who voiced his happiness with their play in Friday’s victory over Essendon.
Rozee made a big impact in the first half of the 69-point victory, registering three goals and 20 disposals before halftime to give the home team a lead over the Bombers.
Horne-Francis was unstoppable during the victory, teaming with Rozee and Zak Butters in a midfield that was missing Brownlow winner Ollie Wines and veteran Travis Boak for the whole of the game.
In a commanding effort for the Power at Gather Round, the combination of Horne-Francis, Rozee, and Butters totaled 20 clearances. Hinkley said that Rozee’s first two quarters were possibly the finest he’s seen from the rookie captain.
Horne-Francis rivalled Rozee for best-afield honours with his 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions, ten clearances and over 600 metres gained in the victory, with the former No.1 pick fit and firing after returning from a recent hamstring issue.
“There’s been a lot said over the pre-season, Jason had a great pre-season. He’s started the year really strongly, had a little interruption but came straight back in and looked pretty good.”
Essendon had a lot of problems dealing with the Power’s engine room all the time, especially with hard-nosed onballer Willem Drew providing a game-high 17 contested possessions against the Bombers in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Josh Carr has done a fantastic job developing that young set of mids, and Drew has come into his own this year; we don’t see him, but he does. The three (Butters, Horne-Francis, and Rozee) are rather well-known.”
The Power will be looking to pick up consecutive victories after their setback to Melbourne last weekend. They will take on Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
