'Outstanding servant': AFL world reacts amid sad 27-year first for Cornes family
After playing for Port from 1998 to 2011, Cornes returned to coach their SANFL side in 2016 and then became an AFL assistant at the end of 2017. But incoming head coach Josh Carr - who will take over from Ken Hinkley next season - has made his first major decision to axe Cornes.
Cornes and Carr were actually premiership teammates in Port's flag-winning season in 2004, but Carr has identified the need for a shake-up in the club's coaching ranks. Port made the announcement about Cornes' departure on Tuesday, after Hinkley's weekly media conference.
"Chad has been an outstanding servant of our club as a premiership player, as a coach within our program since returning at the end of 2015 and of course as a member of our Hall of Fame," said the club's football boss Chris Davies. "Given his tenure at the club we wanted to provide Chad with clarity as early as possible so he has maximum time to consider his future."
The Cornes family's connection to South Australian footy dates back decades. Father Graham was the inaugural coach of the Adelaide Crows in 1991, and held the role until 1994. He previously played for Glenelg in the 60s and South Adelaide in the 80s, and also coached the South Australian state team.
Chad's younger brother Kane played 300 games for Port from 2001 to 2015, and has since transitioned into a role in the media. Kane holds roles with Channel 7, AFL.com.au and SEN radio, and has become one of the most talked-about analysts in the game.
Chad's departure from Port marks the first time in 27 years (dating back to 1998) that at least one member of the Cornes family hasn't held a role at an AFL club as either a player or coach. It means Port will soon have at least two vacancies on their coaching staff, with Hinkley set to hand over the reins to Carr in 2026.
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Port announced their succession plan in the pre-season, revealing that Hinkley will step down at the end of 2025. He's slowly been helping Carr step into the head-coaching role, including during a recent game against Carlton in which Carr appeared to be running the show.
"It's unusual," Kane Cornes said on Channel 7 when he spotted Hinkley at the back of the coach's box and Carr down the front. "He's in the back row of the box and it looks like Josh Carr will be pulling the strings tonight. Just the way Carr is positioned in the box, it looks like Ken will have a more hands-off approach."
On social media, Port fans expressed their sadness that Chad Cornes is departing. However the general consensus is the club needs to make tricky calls to set them up for long-term success.
The right move. Carr making tough calls already? Great stuff.
— Nick Turner (@nickturner_11) July 8, 2025
Legend of the club. Good move though Ports. Thanks Chad.
— . (@coachjc88) July 8, 2025
Like this from Carr.. shows he isn't going to be Ken's clone and will make his own path.. exactly what is needed. I'm hoping for big changes, otherwise we may as well have just kept Ken
— ScoVo (@Sco_Vo) July 8, 2025
Legend of the club as a player but god damn.. this is well overdue a step in the right direction.
— Samuel Power 🇦🇺 (@SamuelPower68) July 8, 2025
with AAP
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