Former AFL star Kane Cornes has found himself in the midst of controversy after being banned by North Melbourne from interacting with their coach and players. The decision was confirmed by the club’s head, Todd Viney, who expressed concerns over Cornes’ recent comments that he deemed to have crossed a line into personal and vindictive territory, particularly in relation to players like Jy Simpkin and Harry Sheezel.
Cornes was scheduled to interview coach Alastair Clarkson before North Melbourne’s match against Essendon, but was informed via a phone call from his producer that he could no longer proceed with these plans. Viney stated that while the club respects media roles, they cannot condone what they consider to be bullying behaviour directed towards their players.
In a response shared on social media, Cornes downplayed the ban, clarifying that his past remarks about Sheezel were based on a genuine appreciation of his talent. However, he expressed concern that perhaps Sheezel is not being utilised effectively on the field, suggesting he is accumulating statistics without making a significant impact on games.
Despite the ban, Cornes seemed unfazed and remained focused on the upcoming match, noting North Melbourne’s struggle this season as they sit near the bottom of the ladder. He expressed curiosity about how the team would perform against the Bombers, eagerly anticipating whether they could secure their second win of the year after a disappointing loss to Port Adelaide in round seven.
Cornes has transitioned from playing for Port Adelaide to a media career, where he engages audiences on platforms including Seven and SEN radio. The clash between North Melbourne’s management and a prominent media figure highlights the delicate balance between sports commentary and player welfare, sparking discussions on the implications of such bans in the Australian Football League.