Kane Cornes has joined the All-Australian selection committee for 2022.
The Port Adelaide great confirmed on Monday morning that he would be joining the panel, chaired by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, following Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea stepping down.
Cornes played 300 games for the Power after debuting in 2001, going on to become a two-time All-Australian and win a premiership in 2004.
Speaking to SEN SA Breakfast, he revealed it was a “great honour” to be asked on the panel, while also outlining the changes he hopes to see in the make-up in this year’s side.
“I did get a call from the AFL… I did get a call from the AFL a couple of weeks ago perhaps, (AFL GM of football operations and legal) Andrew Dillon gave me a call and asked me if I’d like to do it,” Cornes said.
“I jumped at it, it’s a great honour, I’m in.
“It’s the Rising Star (selection panel) as well, (plus) Goal and Mark of the Year, so it’s a real thrill, I was honoured to be asked.
“So, looking forward to keeping a close eye across all players and passionate about picking players in the right position.
“It’s very easy to pick 10 midfielders, but you want to pick the players in the positions they’ve played.
“I watch a lot of footy… I think that’s the key as well, so looking forward to doing that.”
The 2021 All Australian team featured 10 players who were primarily midfielders, including superstars Marcus Bontempelli and Christian Petracca picked on the half-forward flanks.
It’s unclear if another member will be added to the panel alongside Cornes to cover both Richardson and Tredrea’s exit.
The AFL website still includes Richardson and Tredrea in the current panel, which also includes McLachlan (chair), Kevin Bartlett, Jude Bolton, Steve Hocking, Glen Jakovich, Chris Johnson, Cameron Ling, Nick Riewoldt, Kevin Sheehan (NAB AFL Rising Star only), with Cornes not yet listed.
