He was named the Most Valuable Player for South Australia when he captained the under-16 state team.

He commenced playing senior-level SANFL at the age of 17, and was named best on ground in the 2021 preliminary final.

[6][9] Horne-Francis played his first game in the AFL in the opening round of the 2022 season, having 13 disposals and kicking one goal on North Melbourne's narrow defeat to Hawthorn.

[16] He dropped out of school in year 11 to work at the Fleurieu Milk Company;[2] he credits this experience, as well as his stepfather's influence, with maturing him as a person.

[18][19][2] As an adult Horne-Francis learned that he had partial indigenous heritage through his biological father, whom he has no contact with.