Port Adelaide has been left baffled after youngster Jason Horne-Francis was mercilessly booed by Collingwood fans during his side's 71-point loss at the MCG.
The clash against Collingwood was Horne-Francis' first outing in Victoria since being traded away from North Melbourne at the end of last season.
After playing a starring role in Port's round one win over Brisbane, Horne-Francis was well-held by the Magpies, registering just 15 disposals, six marks and a tackle.
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Not only was the 19-year-old met with heavy physical attention by his opponents, he was showered by boos from the crowd, which was in excess of 60,000 spectators, with every touch.
The reception left Horne-Francis' skipper Ollie Wines feeling confused.
"It happens in this day and age, but it's really unfortunate that a 19-year-old kid is getting booed," he said.
"He's a good teammate of ours, he's a really good kid. We forget he's 19, and at stages he's had a lot of media coverage so early in his career."
Wines' perplexed reaction to the booing was echoed by the coaches of both Port Adelaide and Collingwood, Ken Hinkley and Craig McRae.
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"He's probably got some attention on him – he's had that all summer, he's had that for the last 12 months," Hinkley said.
"Melbourne maybe doesn't like him as a town, I don't know. That's all I can suggest it can be, because he didn't play for Collingwood."
Added McRae: "I've got a little six-year-old … we don't boo in our household, we respect the opposition and other athletes."
Horne-Francis joined Port Adelaide amid much fanfare in last year's trade period after requesting a move from the Kangaroos after just one season.
The teenager struggled mightily in his debut year after being the No.1 draft pick as the Kangaroos registered just two wins for the season.
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