AFL: Port Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis breaks his silence on being booed

Jason Horne-Francis has spoken for the first time about the mental impact being booed has had on him this season.

Horne-Francis, last year’s No. 1 draft pick, endured a difficult 12 months where he struggled to impress in North Melbourne before deciding to return to South Australia.

The 19-year-old was met with boos from Kangaroos fans when the Power played his old club this season, but he was also jeered by Collingwood, Western Bulldogs and Sydney fans.

Port coach Ken Hinkley launched a strong defense of his young gun last week, stressing that Horne-Francis’ treatment “annoyed” him, and the player has said his coach’s intervention meant a lot to him.

“After that game I wanted to thank him for everything he said to me during the game and what he did after the game,” Horne-Francis told The Age.

“A lot of people saw him come up and talk to me and I’m glad people saw that.

“He’s like a father to me and people saw that.

“This has been a rollercoaster year for me and for the club, but it was a proud moment for me and it made me happy.”

Horne-Francis openly admitted that he has struggled to deal with the jeers and that it has confused him.

“I don’t think many players like it when they get booed,” he added. “I try not to take it in, but I do hear it.

“With all the outside pressure, I can kind of let it get into my head. “I understand the side of the North supporters. I was a young child and I made the brave decision to come home, and they are understandably disappointed.

‘I’m just a little confused about the Collingwood, Sydney and Bulldogs supporters…why they would berate me.

“My dad used to tell me he hoped I wouldn’t be number one in the draft…I understand what he meant now.”