Kane Cornes poached by Ch 7 in footy commentary shake-up

Kane Cornes says the Channel 7 deal was “an opportunity that was too good to pass up” but he remained tight-lipped on who might get the axe to make room for him.

A “monster deal” has been done to get in-demand footy commentator Kane Cornes to defect to a rival network next year.

Cornes will join Channel 7’s AFL coverage in 2025 in a massive coup for the network.

The Herald Sun last month revealed Channel 9 was facing an uphill battle to keep the polarising figure, with Fox Footy and Channel 7 making big plays to poach him.

The 300 gamer and four-time Port Adelaide best and fairest winner has signed a lucrative deal with Seven that will see him provide live expert commentary on screen for the first time, as well as delivering opinion and analysis throughout the week across multiple platforms.

“I’m thrilled to join the Seven Network in 2025 and beyond,” Cornes said.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Cornes said the opportunity had been “too good to pass up”.

“It’s been weighing on me a bit with (telling) Channel 9, as they’ve been so amazing and such a great place to work and I get along with everyone so well there,” he said.

Kane Cornes admits he’s got some ground to smooth over with other members of Channel 7’s team.

Cornes admitted he had already rubbed several of the Channel 7 team up the wrong way and he’d have to try and smooth things over.

“Richo hates me because I’m critical of Richmond, Darce and I have had it out ... I don’t think he’s my biggest fan.

“I don’t think Trent (Cotchin) is a big fan either, but everyone else should be fine.”

Cornes wouldn’t be drawn on whether anyone else would get the axe to make room for him.

“The team is very, very strong,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to complementing the already amazing team that they’ve got in place.”

Cornes’ arrival at Channel 7 comes after the network’s head of sport and managing director of Melbourne Lewis Martin was let go during a mass axing that saw 150 job cut.

Cornes’ Sunday Footy Show colleague Nathan Brown last month suggested Martin’s departure would pave the way for Seven to make a serious play for in-demand Cornes.

“Now that Lewis Martin’s not at Channel 7, I’ve heard Channel 7 wants him because I don’t think Lewis wanted him there from a few things that may have happened,” he said.

Cornes has hit the headlines several times this year, including for mocking Trent Cotchin’s social media appearance for Seven, a Triple M radio stoush with Luke Darcy, and his scathing criticism of Collingwood captain Darcy Moore.

Kane Cornes has signed a lucrative deal with Channel 7. Picture: Supplied

Despite his shift to Channel 7, Cornes said he was “very committed” to continuing his role on SEN.

But he would “definitely not” be taking part in the network’s marquee reality program Dancing With The Stars.

“Boxing was a disaster, dancing would be worse,” he said.

Garry Lyon said a “monster deal” had obviously been done by Channel 7 to poach Cornes, joking that the network’s share price would spike in the wake of the announcement.

“Kerry Stokes is a massive player and this is a listed company so when you announce something like this, expect that when the market opens ... the Seven shares will go through the roof,” he said.

Seven Network director of sport Chris Jones said Cornes’ “hard-hitting opinions” and “candid commentary” would take coverage to a new level.

“Kane is an agenda setter who backs up his opinion with an unrivalled work ethic and passion for the game,” he said.