North Melbourne have confirmed No.1 draft pick Jason Horne-Francis has been selected for their opening-round AFL clash with Hawthorn.
The 18-year-old will make his debut at the MCG on Sunday, with the Kangaroos a huge chance to start their second season under coach David Noble with a victory.
Horne-Francis has fitted in seamlessly at Arden St after being recruited from South Adelaide last November.
Noble informed the promising midfielder he would be taking on the Hawks during a meeting with North's coaching group, with Horne-Francis' family phoning in from Adelaide.
Horne-Francis has received comparisons to Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield and Brisbane Lions legend Michael Voss for his explosive power.
"He was getting a bit teary," Noble said when he told Horne-Francis he would be playing.
"We shouldn't underestimate just because he's the first pick that there's an expectations that just occurs.
"He's a really down-to-earth, level-headed young man and he's just really excited.
"He was really grateful he had his mum and dad on the call."
Recruits Hugh Greenwood (Gold Coast) and Callum Coleman-Jones (Richmond) will also play their first games for the Kangaroos after moving to North during the off-season.
Noble said veteran midfielder Ben Cunnington was back in at the club a few days a week as he recovers from testicular cancer.
"He's doing a bit of walking, a little bit of work on the treadmill and we'll escalate that as we move forward," Noble said.
"He'll take the family away for a bit of a break in April ... but it's just great to have him back around."
