Kane Cornes, divisive media personality, joins Seven Network

Ex-footy player and divisive media figure Kane Cornes has made a big call on his broadcasting future in the sport.

Divisive, outspoken AFL media identity Kane Cornes is taking his talents to Channel 7.

The Port Adelaide premiership player has made a name for himself after his footy career for his strong views on TV and radio.

Amid reports he was highly sought after by Fox Footy and Channel 9 was desperate to retain his services, Cornes has made the call to jump ship to the Seven Network.

Watch every game of every round this Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

“It was an opportunity that I was thrilled to have a listen to. It was too good to pass up,” Cornes said on SEN radio on Tuesday.

“It’s been weighing on me a little bit with Channel 9 because they’ve been so amazing and it’s such a great place to work.

“I get along with everyone so well there and I think the shows we do there are excellent.

“To tell everyone as I did (on Monday) was a weight off the chest and I’ll move on to a place that I’m really excited to join.”

Kane Cornes has signed with Channel 7.

He had a long, distinguished career with the Power. (AAP Image/Ben MacMahon)

Cornes, who played 300 games for the Power and won four best and fairest awards, will join the 7AFL team in 2025.

The 41-year-old will be involved on game day for the first time, plus the network’s nightly news and other footy related programs.

In a statement released by the network, Cornes said he is pumped to join “the true home of the AFL”.

“I have immense confidence in the network’s leadership and the exciting direction of 7AFL’s cutting-edge broadcast,” he said.

“The chance to work on the biggest games in free-to-air coverage and share my insights across 7NEWS and throughout the week is an incredible opportunity.

Channel 9 colleague Nathan Brown overcomes Cornes in a charity boxing event.

“Seven is the true home of the AFL and next season promises to be the most exciting one yet and I’m looking forward to being a part it.”

Seven’s news director Anthony De Ceglie spruiked Cornes’ signing as a massive coup for the network.

“Kane is the number one voice in footy,” he said. “He’s either creating the news or presenting the smartest take possible on issues.

“We cannot wait to welcome Kane into the Seven family and look forward to hearing his sharp insights regularly on 7NEWS throughout the year.”

Not surprisingly for a figure that regularly divides opinion, there was a mixed reaction to the news from footy fans on social media.

Matthew Lloyd, Nathan Brown, Tony Jones, Damian Barrett and Cornes on the Sunday Footy Show. Picture: Channel 9/Supplied

One wrote: “Actually don’t mind this.”

Another quipped: “Just when I thought the commentary couldn’t get any worse….. Channel 7 ‘hold my beer’.”

Another felt it added some starch to the network, writing: “I reckon it’s that 7’s opinion shows are nice blokes in Selwood, Watson, Riewoldt etc, but a bit lightweight, so he’s a good trade.”

Others debated the fallout for the network.

“Fox footy subscriptions just went through the roof,” one wrote.

“Channel 7 just became watchable,” countered another.

Regularly the target of some good-natured ribbing on Channel 9’s Sunday Footy Show, the reaction to the news from his current panellists will be worth a watch.

Originally published as Kane Cornes, divisive media personality, joins Seven Network