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Rendell: Why both clubs made the big call
- Matt Turner
Recruiting guru Matthew Rendell says Adelaide’s “extraordinary” offer to North Melbourne for pick 1 and the Kangaroos’ decision to reject it shows just how keen both clubs are on generational talent Jason Horne-Francis.
The Crows tried to deal the fourth selection in this year’s draft, as well as two 2022 first-rounders – its own and Melbourne’s – for the top choice with a view to taking the South Adelaide star, only for the Kangaroos to knock it back.
Adelaide also would have received a future second-round call.
Rendell, a former recruiter at Adelaide and Collingwood, said “that’s as keen as you can get for any player – and everyone knows why”.
Horne-Francis booted 3.3 in the SANFL preliminary final against Glenelg. Picture: SANFL
South Adelaide midfielder/forward Horne-Francis is considered the standout in next month’s draft pool after enhancing his prospects with a stunning SANFL major-round campaign.
In the Panthers’ preliminary final loss last month, the 18-year-old registered 24 disposals, 11 clearances and three goals.
“It’s an amazing knock-back,” Rendell told News Corp of North Melbourne’s decision.
“The Crows would’ve thought they were a great chance.
“It’s an extraordinary offer.
“North are obviously hellbent on taking Horne-Francis.
“He’s a star, a generational player – he’s your (Nathan) Buckley, he’s your (Michael) Voss, he’s your (Nat) Fyfe, he’s your (Patrick) Dangerfield, he’s your (Chris) Judd.
“He’s your bloke people are going to swarm through the gates to watch, week in, week out.
“He’s nice and calm, he doesn’t get stressed, he plays his heart out, he’s athletic, he marks the ball, he smashes them, I love his attitude and he’ll play first game, barring injury.”
Rendell said he thought North Melbourne would even have knocked back a similar deal featuring pick two if the Crows had secured that selection with a loss to the Kangaroos in the last minor round.
“If they don’t accept that (this week’s offer), they’re not accepting anything,” he said.
Rendell said North Melbourne could have recruited tall Sandringham Dragons midfielder Finn Callaghan if it made the deal, describing him as a Josh Kelly type.
Victorian Finn Callaghan appears a great fit for the Crows. Picture: Michael Klein
With Horne-Francis seemingly off the table, Callaghan would be perfect for the Crows, according to Rendell.
“What they need is a big-bodied mid who can play forward and is a runner,” he said.
“Finn Callaghan fits the bill perfectly – so does Jason Horne-Francis.
“And Callaghan can kick over the lines.”
Adelaide has also been linked to Murray Bushrangers forward/midfielder Josh Rachele.
“He’s a very good player, a smart player, but I know what I’d take,” Rendell said.
Horne-Francis is considered to be someone who just gets on with the job and will not be fazed about the hype of being the No. 1 selection.
Rendell said: “When North calls out Horne-Francis’s name, the Crows and Port will be ringing his manager every day for two years saying ‘how can we get him back?’”
Adelaide’s rejected trade already shows Horne-Francis and his family where the Crows stand.
- Matt Turner
Recruiting guru Matthew Rendell says Adelaide’s “extraordinary” offer to North Melbourne for pick 1 and the Kangaroos’ decision to reject it shows just how keen both clubs are on generational talent Jason Horne-Francis.
The Crows tried to deal the fourth selection in this year’s draft, as well as two 2022 first-rounders – its own and Melbourne’s – for the top choice with a view to taking the South Adelaide star, only for the Kangaroos to knock it back.
Adelaide also would have received a future second-round call.
Rendell, a former recruiter at Adelaide and Collingwood, said “that’s as keen as you can get for any player – and everyone knows why”.
Horne-Francis booted 3.3 in the SANFL preliminary final against Glenelg. Picture: SANFL
South Adelaide midfielder/forward Horne-Francis is considered the standout in next month’s draft pool after enhancing his prospects with a stunning SANFL major-round campaign.
In the Panthers’ preliminary final loss last month, the 18-year-old registered 24 disposals, 11 clearances and three goals.
“It’s an amazing knock-back,” Rendell told News Corp of North Melbourne’s decision.
“The Crows would’ve thought they were a great chance.
“It’s an extraordinary offer.
“North are obviously hellbent on taking Horne-Francis.
“He’s a star, a generational player – he’s your (Nathan) Buckley, he’s your (Michael) Voss, he’s your (Nat) Fyfe, he’s your (Patrick) Dangerfield, he’s your (Chris) Judd.
“He’s your bloke people are going to swarm through the gates to watch, week in, week out.
“He’s nice and calm, he doesn’t get stressed, he plays his heart out, he’s athletic, he marks the ball, he smashes them, I love his attitude and he’ll play first game, barring injury.”
Rendell said he thought North Melbourne would even have knocked back a similar deal featuring pick two if the Crows had secured that selection with a loss to the Kangaroos in the last minor round.
“If they don’t accept that (this week’s offer), they’re not accepting anything,” he said.
Rendell said North Melbourne could have recruited tall Sandringham Dragons midfielder Finn Callaghan if it made the deal, describing him as a Josh Kelly type.
Victorian Finn Callaghan appears a great fit for the Crows. Picture: Michael Klein
With Horne-Francis seemingly off the table, Callaghan would be perfect for the Crows, according to Rendell.
“What they need is a big-bodied mid who can play forward and is a runner,” he said.
“Finn Callaghan fits the bill perfectly – so does Jason Horne-Francis.
“And Callaghan can kick over the lines.”
Adelaide has also been linked to Murray Bushrangers forward/midfielder Josh Rachele.
“He’s a very good player, a smart player, but I know what I’d take,” Rendell said.
Horne-Francis is considered to be someone who just gets on with the job and will not be fazed about the hype of being the No. 1 selection.
Rendell said: “When North calls out Horne-Francis’s name, the Crows and Port will be ringing his manager every day for two years saying ‘how can we get him back?’”
Adelaide’s rejected trade already shows Horne-Francis and his family where the Crows stand.
