Port Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis has edged the departing Zak Butters to win his first John Cahill Medal as the club’s AFL best-and-fairest.
The two midfielders were the favourites going into Tuesday night’s count and Horne-Francis’s four extra games proved decisive, prevailing by five votes, 88 to 83.
Horne-Francis praised his father, former Power player Fabian Francis, for helping him always improve.
“Watching my dad playing as I grew up and to now be a Port Adelaide player and a John Cahill medallist, it means a lot,” Horne-Francis said.
“From day one, he has always said he wants to make me the best player I can be.
“It’s working a treat at the moment.”
Horne-Francis overcame a series of foot issues to play 21 matches in arguably the most consistent campaign of his career.
His pre-season was significantly interrupted when he had a metal plate removed after experiencing tendon irritation and the club was precautious with him late in the summer.
After a relatively quiet opening month, save for a three-goal haul in round 2 against Essendon, Horne-Francis improved as the year went on while handling more responsibility.
The 23-year-old joined leadership group meetings and shouldered extra burden amid the Power’s run of injuries to captain Connor Rozee, utility Miles Bergman and, eventually, Butters.
Horne-Francis averaged 23.3 disposals, 9.9 contested possessions and 5.8 clearances, as well as kicked 27 goals in his fourth season at Alberton since crossing from North Melbourne.
Butters, who last week announced he wanted a trade home to Victoria, almost claimed a fourth consecutive John Cahill Medal.
It would have tied him with Power greats Warren Tredrea and Kane Cornes for the most best-and-fairest wins in the club’s AFL history.
Butters played 17 games – his fewest since 2021 – after what proved a season-ending ankle against St Kilda in round 18.
Horne-Francis praised Butters and said the club was behind him despite his decision to leave. “You lose a player like that and his calibre – you don’t like seeing them players go out the door,” he said.
“It’s tough but I was in his situation.
“He’s given this footy club so much and served his years.
“It’s simple as he wants to get back to family and friends and you can’t be mad at him for that.
“We support his decision.”
Spearhead Mitch Georgiades backed up his runner-up finish from 2025 by placing third on Tuesday night on 69 votes.
The newly re-signed high-flyer took home the leading goalkicker trophy for a third consecutive year, kicking 51 majors.
Vice-captain Willem Drew (56 votes) and emerging midfielder Joe Richards (55) completed the top five.
Drew also received his fourth consecutive Fos Williams Medal as best team man, voted by his Power teammates.
Second-year key forward Jack Whitlock snared the Gavin Wanganeen Medal as the best player under 21 and intercepting defender Josh Lai received the Coaches Award for most improved.
Delisted goalsneak/half-back Benny Barrett was recognised for his community work through the Power’s programs, taking home the John McCarthy Medal.
Barrett has connected with young people, particularly in the multicultural space and also volunteered with the Hutt St Centre.
Axed Power midfielder Will Lorenz won the SANFL best-and-fairest, the AR McLean Medal.
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Matt TurnerSports reporter