After two seasons with the club, he was recruited by AFL side Collingwood, where he made his debut in 1990.
On his AFL debut, which was also his 21st birthday, Francis was suspended for 6 weeks due to a kicking incident.
[1] When he returned, he still showed his trademark aggression, as well as discipline and was an important member of Collingwood's 1990 premiership side.
In 1991, Francis improved further, with a major asset being bursts of pace and an ability to win the ball from tight pack situations.
Francis enjoyed solid form as a tough rover, and played 19 matches (although the Saints' second half of the season saw them miss the finals).