- Kane Cornes is a divisive figure in AFL circles
- His highly assertive views get under skin of many
- Cornes, 42, is now on books of Channel 7
Kane Cornes is well aware he isn’t the favourite commentator of many footy fans – and that’s exactly how he likes it.
The highly polarising star, 42, has jumped ship in the off-season from Channel Nine to rivals Seven, and is primed to voice his trademark blunt opinions in 2025.
If they infuriate people, so be it, that is Cornes’ unapologetic style.
Just ask former Port Adelaide teammate Josh Carr, who will replace Ken Hinkley in the hot seat from next season.
Cornes won a flag with Carr in 2004 – but maintains his former teammate isn’t the answer as head coach.
‘I loved playing alongside him, but I think Port have made the wrong call,’ he told News Corp.
Kane Cornes is well aware he isn’t the favourite commentator of many footy fans – and that’s exactly how he likes it
Former Port Adelaide teammate Josh Carr will replace Ken Hinkley as head coach from next season – and Cornes believes it is a decision fraught with danger
Port Adelaide’s Ivan Soldo is another star that Cornes has previously singled out (the ruckman is pictured, with partner Chelsea Becirevic
‘It is nothing against Josh…..but I wouldn’t have made that call myself.
‘I don’t know what he thinks, I have tried to ring him….but he hasn’t returned my call yet, so that might give you an indication.’
It isn’t the first time Cornes – who is best described as assertive – has upset a fellow AFL identity.
The list is long, including Collingwood legend Dane Swan and Richmond icon Matthew Richardson.
Even former teammate Travis Boak wasn’t impressed after Cornes questioned the professionalism of Carlton star Charlie Curnow in 2020.
And more recently, Cornes has traded barbs with Port ruckman Ivan Soldo.
But Cornes – who played 300 games for Port Adelaide – has thick skin.
A two-time All Australian player, the former midfielder knows being controversial is what keeps him relevant.
Richmond legend Matthew Richardson wasn’t happy when Cornes took a public swipe at Tigers great Trent Cotchin in 2024
Collingwood great Dane Swan infamously told viewers on Channel 7’s The Front Bar that Cornes was the easiest opponent he ever played on
And he is going to be busy this season – Cornes will feature on Thursday night football for Seven as well as Monday and Tuesday, where he will be the headline act on ‘The Agenda Setters.’
Cornes will also continue hosting SEN morning radio on Monday and Friday and appear on Sportsday with Gerard Healy when time permits.
He has bought an apartment in Melbourne to assist with the travel load.
All this from an ex-footy star who cut his teeth via a traineeship at Adelaide radio station 5AA during his debut AFL season in 2001.
He eventually moved into the media fulltime in 2016, with the likes of SEN boss Craig Hutchison a noted fan.
TV followed and now it is up to Cornes to wrestle audiences away from Channel 9 and Fox Footy in what looms as arguably his greatest challenge.
And in terms of the many keyboard warriors on social media, Cornes doesn’t worry what he can’t control.
The 2025 AFL season starts on March 6 when premiers Brisbane host Geelong at the Gabba.
