Jason Horne-Francis in action for South Adelaide in the SANFL. Picture: Nick Hook photography

THE CURRENT coach of Jason Horne-Francis has lauded the likely No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick's competitive nature and compared him to Brownlow medalists Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield.

Horne-Francis is almost certain to be picked up wooden spooner North Melbourne in the national draft later this year.

The explosive midfielder, who can push forward and kick goals, has spent the past two years playing in the SANFL seniors with South Adelaide.

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Panthers coach Jarrad Wright cannot speak highly enough of Horne-Francis.

"He's just a super competitor," Wright told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio.

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"We debuted him at league level about three weeks after his 17th birthday last year and he's played every game since, including two finals campaigns.

"He's a pretty well-rounded individual ... but as soon as he crosses that line he's just a super competitor and really aggressive.

"He's taken it all on his stride; there's been no level of arrogance or him taking his foot off the pedal."

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South Adelaide was knocked out in the preliminary final this year but Horne-Francis produced in a losing side.

The 18-year-old collected 24 possessions, 11 clearances and booted 3.3 in a tantalising display for the Kangaroos.

Horne-Francis has also had the experience of playing alongside former Carlton and Adelaide midfielder Bryce Gibbs - who was taken at pick one by the Blues in the 2006 draft - at South Adelaide.

Wright said Horne-Francis has modelled his game on Fremantle superstar Fyfe but he can also see similarities with Geelong dynamo Dangerfield.

"(Horne-Francis) likes to simulate his game probably around the Nat Fyfe type, the really strong, big-bodied mid," Wright said.

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"I certainly see the likes of that.

"The way he pressures and hunts the footy and tackles is probably more around a Dangerfield type with his burst of speed to come out of congestion, he's quite powerful and strong."