The 19-year-old was dropped for last weekend's trip to Adelaide, Horne-Francis' hometown, after failing to complete an ice bath as required and not meeting the Kangaroos' preparation standards.

Horne-Francis responded by having a game-high 29 possessions in North's VFL win against Coburg.

Caretaker Kangaroos coach Leigh Adams felt like he had to make a stand, even as speculation continues Horne-Francis could request a trade back to South Australia after just one year at Arden St.

Adams said Horne-Francis' attitude had been first-class since and the young midfielder understood why he could not play against the Crows last Saturday.

"We feel like we've got certain standards that need to be upheld at the footy club and if guys aren't able to do that then we need to have some consequences so that our young guys can learn," Adams said on Wednesday.

"He's learnt a great lesson from that and we are sure he can become a good player from that.

"He just wasn't able to implement his recovery protocols to the level that needed to be done and that's a rule we've got for our whole footy club

"He understands it's a not a huge deal in the four walls of the footy club.

"It was mistake that he made in the heat of some frustration around our loss (against Essendon)...we've moved on pretty quick."

Midfielder Ben Cunnington has pulled up well following his first AFL game in more than a year after his battle with testicular cancer.

The inspirational veteran will back up for North's final regular season game against Gold Coast on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

The Kangaroos will avoid their second-straight wooden spoon if they defeat the Suns, as long as West Coast don't cause the upset of the season and beat minor premiers Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Australian Associated Press