Francou enjoyed a breakout season in the SANFL under 18 competition. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Port Adelaide has enlisted former North Adelaide junior Oliver Francou to play for its SANFL side in 2025, should he be overlooked in the upcoming Draft. 

Under the SANFL’s new rules for AFL clubs, Port Adelaide can sign up to eight players from other clubs aged 21 or under, as part of a talent development list. 

The St Peter’s College product just missed out on selection for South Australia this year, but instead was able to put his talent on display in the SANFL under 18 competition. 

Son of three-time Showdown Medallist Josh, Francou played 11 games for the Roosters under 18s in 2024. 

The 18-year-old enjoyed a breakout season, averaging 24.2 disposals. 6.4 clearances and 4.9 tackles per game. 

Francou comes from the North Adelaide Football Club and played school football at St Peter's College. Image: Brooke Bowering.

“Justin Westhoff and Jason Williams have done a fantastic job supporting Oli with his development this year through our Father-Son Academy,” Port Adelaide’s Head of SANFL Paul Stewart said. 

“As a young, developing inside midfielder, Oli gets plenty of the footy and has great hands and vision. 

“Throughout the 2024 season we saw him continually grow and improve, and we hope to see more of that from him at Port Adelaide. 

“I particularly want to thank the North Adelaide Football Club, who have been supportive of this opportunity for Oli, and have been instrumental in Oli’s growth as a footballer.” 

Francou said he was looking forward to joining Port Adelaide in 2025. 

Francou will be a part of the club's talent development list. Image: Brooke Bowering.

“I’m really excited to play for the same club my dad had an AFL career at,” Francou said. 

“If the draft doesn’t go my way this year, I want to give myself the best chance to develop in a SANFL system at an AFL club.  

“I hope I can contribute to the club well, and I can’t wait to get started.” 

Port Adelaide has opted not to nominate Francou as a possible father-son selection for the 2024 Telstra AFL National Draft. 

He joins former Gold Coast and Central District player Jez McLennan in being signed to Port Adelaide under the new list guidelines.  

Oliver Francou 
DOB: 27 February 2006 
Height: 182cm 
Position: Midfielder 
SANFL club: North Adelaide 
Community club: Walkerville