Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes will retire from senior football following his side’s round eight fixture against Richmond in a fortnight.
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The Power’s clash with Richmond will mark Cornes’ 300th game, becoming the first man to reach the milestone for Port at AFL level.
Cornes has been accepted into the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and must accept a place in the SAMFS’s next training intake or risk never having the opportunity to do so again.
The 32-year-old says he has mixed emotions about leaving the club, but said it was the right time to step aside and allow some of the Power’s youngsters to receive an opportunity.
“This is a great football club and I’ve had some incredible times at Port Adelaide and can’t thank the club enough for everything it has given me,” Cornes said in a club statement.
“This is the right time for me to give someone else an opportunity, we’ve got some terrific young players who will now step and make their mark on the game.”
Cornes has played five out of the Power’s six games this season, but was rested by Ken Hinkley for his side’s round three clash against North Melbourne.
The veteran thanked his family, teammates and coaches for their support over his 14-year career.
“I want to particularly thank my family for their support over the journey,” Cornes said.
“And thank you as well to Ken Hinkley for his help over the past two and half years, and in particular in helping me work through the process of joining the MFS.
“I couldn’t have made this decision without his blessing and playing under Ken has been one of the most enjoyable times of my career.
“I’d also like to thank all my past coaches, team mates and mentors, in particular Mark Williams, Phil Walsh and Keith Thomas for all they’ve taught me over the past two decades or so.”
Cornes made his debut for Port Adelaide in 2001 after being drafted at pick no.20 in the 2000 AFL Draft.
He played alongside his brother Chad for a majority of his career before Chad moved to the Greater Western Sydney Giants in 2011.
Their father, Graham, was the Adelaide Crows’ inaugural coach.
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