HARD-WORKING North Adelaide midfielder Ben Francou delivered another standout performance in Round 6 of the SANFL Under 18 season, starring in a gutsy six-point win over Central Districts. A tough and composed player, Francou showcased his trademark blend of pressure, ball-winning ability, and endurance to drive North Adelaide’s midfield effort across all four quarters.

Francou finished with 21 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and three goals, consistently providing a spark around stoppages and offering crucial moments of composure when it was most important. His ability to impact at both ends of the ground, combine defensive grit with offensive polish, and lift his side in key moments earned him this week’s Player Focus.

North AdelaideMidfielder

Ben Francou

Height: 176cm

Weight: -

DOB: 23-07-2007

PLAYER FOCUS

2025 SANFL Under 18s: Round 6
North Adelaide 11.10 (76) def. Central Districts 10.10 (70)

#26 Ben Francou (North Adelaide)
Stats: 21 disposals, 6 tackles, 9 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 3 goals

FIRST QUARTER

Francou’s impact on the game was felt from the moment he stepped on ground. His smart movements and quick reactions stood out from the pack, regularly being the first to get hands on the ball and finding the necessary space to move the play clinically up the field. His first-quarter performance was characterised by strong pressure in the contests and bursts of speed when the ball came loose. His work rate around the play was evident, making repeated supportive runs and consistently applying his physicality around ruck contests.

One of the highlights of his opening term came when he read a boundary throw-in perfectly, lost his opponent, gathered cleanly, and snapped truly to kick his first goal. Even when caught in tackles, his quick hands and awareness helped him keep plays alive. His pressure and ability to shepherd and create space for teammates shone through, making him a valuable link through defence and attack.

SECOND QUARTER

Francou’s second quarter was his most dynamic. His burst acceleration was a real standout before halftime when, following a strong supportive run and one-two handball chain with a teammate, he launched a brilliant kick from 50 metres out on the run to secure his second goal of the game. This moment underlined his damaging ability in the forward half.

His clearance work was outstanding, consistently positioning himself well to receive the hit out from the ruck and get the ball cleanly to teammates. Francou also showed composure when dropping back into North Adelaide’s defensive 50, taking crucial touches under pressure and delivering the ball safely up the field.

Midway through the quarter, he won a 25-metre penalty and converted the set shot from 30 metres with ease, giving him his third goal of the game. Around stoppages, he kept applying physical pressure and was quick to react to loose balls, often turning dangerous moments into opportunities for his side.

THIRD QUARTER

The third term for Francou was characterised by hard work without always having clean disposal chains to show for it. His physical presence remained strong, producing important shepherds and supportive runs around contests.

Defensively, he put up a critical spoil in a one-on-one contest, helping to break up a dangerous Central District attack. His chase pressure remained consistent, and his reading of the play around stoppages continued to put him in the right positions to either collect the ball or assist his teammates.

Late in the quarter, Francou showed great poise inside his defensive 50, weaving through heavy traffic to handball to a teammate and kickstart a North Adelaide counterattack. His work rate ensured he remained involved in the game, even when the play was messy or congested.

FOURTH QUARTER

North Adelaide were put on the defensive for a large part of the fourth quarter, yet Francou still carried influence around the ball. His shepherding around the ruck contests consistently allowed teammates to win clear balls, and his second efforts, including chasing, tackling, and pressuring were important in slowing Central Districts late momentum.

A highlight of his final quarter was an impressive sequence of pressure acts, after laying a strong tackle, he immediately chased again, tapping the ball free and then running onto it to lay the ball off to his teammates inside 50. This showed his determination and repeat effort ability late in a tough game.

While his intensity tracking back occasionally dipped, his positioning remained sharp, constantly getting into space to be a safe option for his teammates. He gave away his only free kick late when caught holding the ball, but it didn’t distract from a strong overall performance.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

Francou delivered an outstanding four quarters of footy, blending work rate, composure, and attacking flair to help drive North Adelaide to a tight win. His ability to read stoppages, apply pressure, and push forward with purpose highlighted his versatility and skill.

His three goals made him North Adelaide’s highest scorer for the game and proved critical in the one-goal win. However, it was his constant presence around the contest, clean handling of the ball, and smart supportive runs that set him apart. If he continues the great start he has had to the 2025 season, Francou’s stock will only rise, certainly a name to watch closely as the season unfolds.