PORT ADELAIDE recruit Jason Horne-Francis will have a slightly restricted start to pre-season training after having surgery to ease leg pain which has troubled him over the past year.

Horne-Francis, who was traded to the club from North Melbourne this month, had surgery on Wednesday to decompress the arteries behind his knees.

The 19-year-old will require a period of rest and a modified training program before the Christmas break but is expected to be available for Round 1 next season.

“When the club committed to pursuing Jason during the trade period, we were made aware he had been managing ongoing, at times debilitating, pain in both calves and feet throughout the 2022 season,” said Port Adelaide Head of Medical Services, Tim O’Leary.

“Our subsequent investigation revealed he had significant compression of the arteries in the back of his knees, causing blockage to the blood flow to his lower legs.

“Following consultation with numerous specialists, and consideration of the advised options as to how to treat the issue, we decided it was best for Jason’s health, and ongoing football performance, that he have the surgery now to release the pressure on the arteries and restore normal blood flow to his lower legs.

“He is now recovering well and will build into pre-season training, with a view to being ready to play in the 2023 season opener." 

Port Adelaide’s first to fourth year players are due to report to Alberton Oval for pre-season training from November 21 with the rest of the side to return a fortnight later.