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Graham Cornes OAM, is a former Australian Rules footballer, inaugural Adelaide Crows coach and media personality. He has spent a lifetime in AFL football as a successful player and coach, culminating in his admission to the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

@Cornsey12

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Opinion

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Jordan Dawson and Josh Rachele of the Crows celebrate their win during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval on June 6, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cornes: Finally, we’ve seen a tough, battle-hardened Adelaide

It hasn’t been easy following the Adelaide Crows over the last eight seasons, but Friday night’s classic washed away all the past disappointments, writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Laura Kane, AFL Executive General Manager of Football speaks during the 2024 Grand Final Umpires Announcement Media Opportunity at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cornes: Someone had to pay the ultimate price, but not Kane

Someone had to pay the price, however, no one has yet to address the most obvious factor of Laura Kane’s tenure. Is it because she is a woman that she is so severely scrutinised? Writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Ken Hinkley, Senior Coach of the Power during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on March 22, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cornes: AFL’s cruelest fate is coming for Ken Hinkley

The result against Fremantle make little difference. Ken Hinkley is now face-to-face with the brutal destiny AFL always had in store for him, writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

Joyful members of the successful SA Aboriginal football team at Adelaide Airport (l-r) coach Michael Wanganeen, Michael Graham, Wilbur Wilson and Eugene Warrior 06 Oct 1975.

Cornes: Time to honour our unsung SA country hero

Not many country legends have been admitted to the SANFL Hall of Fame, but there is definitely room for one more with this man, writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Willie Rioli of the Power runs the ball during the round six AFL match between Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at Sydney Cricket Ground, on April 20, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The modern footballer has the resilience of a wet tissue

Words are the new weapon and it seems too many of today’s footballers are easily hurt, writes Graham Cornes.

PollOpinion

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 26: Josh Sinn of the Power is tackled by Paul Curtis of the Kangaroos during the 2025 AFL Round 07 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval on April 26, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cornes: This is where the AFL has gone way too far

There was once a time when a footballer could play his whole career without being reported or suspended, writes Graham Cornes. Have your say.

PollOpinion

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Kevin Sheedy coach of the Bombers and James Hird captain and Anzac Day Medallist hold the Anzac Day Cup after winning the round five AFL Anzac Day match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground April 25 2004 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

Cornes: Time for fresh legs to have a crack at top AFL award

There must be a way of giving every player the opportunity to win an Anzac Day Medal, should it only be Essendon and Collingwood who share the biggest stage on Australia’s most sacred day? Writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 17: Josh Daicos of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal during the round six AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba, on April 17, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Cornes: The ridiculous AFL penalties that are ruining our game

Umpires are a soft target because they are mainly anonymous, but the AFL could make it a little easier to like them, writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 05 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats at Adelaide Oval on April 10, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Cornes: Crows’ defence the real Danger in Gather Round spectacle

Crows fans may have disappointed by their loss at the hands of Patrick Dangerfield this week, but Gather Round football is the real winner, writes Graham Cornes.

Opinion

Tony Modra is welcomed by adoring fans at Adelaide Airport 08 Aug 1993. (Pic by staff photographer Ray Titus)

Cornes: To the young lady who slid into my DMs … in 1972

I wonder how my old letters compared to Tony Modra’s fan mail or Josh Rachele’s DMs, writes Graham Cornes.

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/journalists/graham-cornes