CTV> Tristan Francis makes his debut for CTVCollingwood added further depth to its midfield reserves when it acquired Tristan Francis from the Gippsland Power with pick 11 in the 2008 AFL Rookie Draft.
Francis, who ran a 20 metre sprint in 2.9 seconds at the Victoria state screening session last year, has joined fellow draftees Jaryd Blair, Luke Rounds, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams, and John Bennell as young, emerging midfielders acquired by the club in this year’s draft.
“It’s been really good,” Francis told CTV after training.
“There have been a lot of differences from back in the under-18 days but I am really enjoying it and really enjoying the facilities and all the boys are really good.”
The 19 year old has joined former Power players, Blair, Dale Thomas, Scott Pendlebury, Tyson Goldsack, Brett McCaffer and veteran Leigh Brown.
“Everyone (here) is a lot more professional and a lot more focused on recovery and getting up for the next session and having to train every day.”
Francis appeared in 21 matches for the Power and averaged 19 disposals, four marks and four tackles a game. He played as a midfielder and would like to continue in that role as a Magpie, while developing his defensive skills.
“I never really played much defence. It’s a bit of a change but I definitely would like to play in defence, or midfield, where I spent most of my time back in Gippsland.”
His teammates have already cottoned on to Francis’s nickname that he has carried since playing in the days of “Vic Kick” .
“They call me Trick or Tricka. I have been called that since I can remember so I don’t know why. They call me a few other things too I think.”
