14-07-2025
Eight-word taunt that Harley Reid said to Jason Horne-Francis comes to light
The eight-word taunt that Harley Reid uttered to Jason Horne-Francis has been revealed, after a fiery clash between the former No.1 draft picks on Sunday night. Reid and Horne-Francis came chest-to-chest during Port's 12.15 (87) to 9.6 (61) victory at Adelaide Oval, and could be seen exchanging words.
Speaking on Channel 9 program 'Footy Furnace' on Sunday night, leading reporter Tom Morris revealed what was said. "They are two of the most fiery people in the game, and they were going at each other," Morris said.
The journo revealed Reid told Horne-Francis: "Go back to mummy. Leave after one year." Morris added: "Horne-Francis left North Melbourne after one year. You love that sort of stuff don't you?"
As Morris mentioned, Horne-Francis was drafted by the Kangaroos in 2021 before requesting a trade back to South Australia after just one season. Reid is in a similar boat in that many believe he might look to head home to Victoria once his contract with the Eagles expires.
Speaking on 'Footy Furnace', Geelong champion Jimmy Bartel said Reid's sledge backfired in that it only fired up Horne-Francis and the Power players. "They're incredibly competitive customers like most people," Bartel said. "But once the byplay was happening he (Horne-Francis) kicked two goals from stoppages, and it actually helped Port Adelaide get up and over West Coast."
Commentator Anthony Hudson said during the game: 'It's sort of like they're looking in the mirror a little bit." While Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton added: 'You've got the feeling they're going to be at each other for the next decade.'
Horne-Francis responded after the game, but was quick to play down the incident. 'I think there was a bit of heat in it at the end there, which was, I guess, I like a little bit, and I know a few of their players like (it) as well,' he said. 'I think it's all part of the game, it's all in good spirit, but it was good to get over the line in the end.'
"Go back to mummy, leave after one year" 🗣️The Harley Reid v Jason Horne-Francis battle was box office 🍿#9FootyFurnace | Watch on Nine & 9Now 🖥️
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 13, 2025
In the end it was Zak Butters who inspired fast-finishing Port Adelaide to a comeback 26-point win over a plucky West Coast. The Power trailed by 33 points in the opening quarter before rallying to an important victory.
Butters was brilliant, racking up 38 disposals and 14 in the first term, as Port booted the last five goals of the game. West Coast produced their highest-scoring quarter under first-year coach Andrew McQualter, booting 6.3 to 2.2 in the opening term.
"I was really proud of the effort for a large part of the game (in a) challenging 24 hours for our footy club," McQualter said. "We competed really well. In the end, the Power's class was just able to shine through."
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West Coast's 25-point lead at quarter-time saw Power coach Ken Hinkley hit his players with some stern words. "They (the Eagles) got away to a good jump and we just left ourselves in vulnerable positions," Hinkley said. "And our skills didn't match those vulnerable positions, and when you play footy like that, you're going to get hurt on the scoreboard."
with AAP
