Jason Horne-Francis admits he made mistakes during his time at North Melbourne, but believes his arrival at Port Adelaide can help him become the best player in the AFL.
Horne-Francis, the No.1 selection in the 2021 national draft, was traded to the Power on Monday after just one trouble-filled year at the Kangaroos.
The ultra competitive 19-year-old clashed at times with Kangaroos teammates this year and was even dropped for a game in August for failing to live up to team standards.
Horne-Francis is confident he will grow from the experience and become more professional in his preparation.
"It's been tough. There's been challenges throughout the year," Horne-Francis said.
"On my part, I probably haven't done everything right as well.
"Footy is played a lot in your head. I've learnt that there's a lot to the mental side.
"You've got to prepare for it. You just can't run out there and play footy.
"I saw some psychologists throughout the year and they really helped me."
The appointment of Alastair Clarkson as North Melbourne coach on a five-year deal sparked hope of a new era of success at the Kangaroos following two straight wooden spoons.
But the chances of the four-time premiership coach taking up the post now depends on the results of the independent investigation into historical allegations of racism at Hawthorn, who Clarkson was coaching at the time.
A combination of homesickness and the uncertainty at North Melbourne played a key role in Horne-Francis requesting a move back to South Australia.
"I wanted to make sure I was in a stable environment coming into this year," Horne-Francis said.
"A lot of people know, it might be another unstable year at North. We just thought coming back home to a great club like Port Adelaide would be the best for me."
Horne-Francis has set high goals for the next chapter of his career.
"Hopefully one day I can be the best player in the competition," the star midfielder said.
"I'm a big family person and I love my family. I just feel like having my family and friends around me it's going to create that environment where I can play my best footy."
Port's general manager of football Chris Davies is confident Horne-Francis can thrive at the Power.
"Tell me which 19-year-old in their past hasn't had some moments that they might want to have approached differently?" Davies said.
"I certainly have. He's a guy who had a lot of scrutiny on him at a club where - I'm not talking out of school in saying they were unsettled this year.
"He's got a chance to come to a more stable club, maybe with players around him that might be able to help him more.
"We'll see the fruits of that over the next period of time."
