Kane Cornes Reveals AFL Stars Shunning Him, Including Ex-Port Adelaide Premiership Teammate
Kane Cornes: The AFL’s Most Polarising Commentator Doubles Down on Divisive Style
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Kane Cornes, the AFL’s most polarising media figure, is unbothered by his critics. The 42-year-old former Port Adelaide premiership player has switched networks to Channel Seven for 2025, ready to unleash his trademark blunt takes. “If they infuriate people, so be it,” he shrugs.
Kane Cornes embraces his role as the AFL media’s provocateur-in-chief (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
Controversial Takes & Burned Bridges
Cornes’ latest target is former teammate Josh Carr, set to replace Ken Hinkley as Port Adelaide’s coach in 2026. Though the pair won a flag together in 2004, Cornes openly questions the appointment: “I loved playing with him, but Port made the wrong call. I tried calling Josh—he hasn’t returned it. That tells you something.”
Josh Carr (right) faces criticism from Cornes before his coaching tenure even begins (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
Carr isn’t the first to clash with Cornes. Collingwood legend Dane Swan once branded him the “easiest opponent” he faced, while Richmond icon Matthew Richardson publicly rebuked Cornes for criticizing Trent Cotchin. Even ex-teammate Travis Boak took issue with Cornes’ 2020 jab at Carlton’s Charlie Curnow.
Thick Skin, Relentless Schedule
A two-time All Australian and 300-game veteran, Cornes thrives on controversy. “Being relevant means stirring the pot,” he admits. In 2025, he’ll headline Seven’s Thursday Night Football and debate show The Agenda Setters, while maintaining SEN radio roles. To manage commitments, he’s bought a Melbourne apartment—a far cry from his 5AA radio trainee days in 2001.
Feuds & Footy’s Future
Recent sparring partners include Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo, whom Cornes called out over preseason training habits. Soldo’s partner, Chelsea Becirevic, even fired back on social media—proof that Cornes’ critiques ripple beyond the field.
Ivan Soldo and partner Chelsea Becirevic faced Cornes’ scrutiny (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
Yet Cornes remains unfazed: “I don’t lose sleep over keyboard warriors.” As the AFL season launches on March 6 with Brisbane vs. Geelong, his sharp tongue promises to dominate headlines. Love him or loathe him, Cornes’ agenda-setting role at Seven cements his status as the game’s ultimate lightning rod.
Dane Swan’s brutal assessment of Cornes went viral (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
The Verdict
Cornes’ move to Seven marks a new chapter in his career, but his playbook remains unchanged: provoke, dissect, repeat. Whether dissecting coaching calls or player form, he’ll keep AFL conversations fiery—and ratings high.
The 2025 AFL season begins March 6. Brace for impact.
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