Kane Cornes hit back at debate surrounding the 2025 All-Australian side, insisting the nine-person selection panel stood firmly behind its final 22 despite questions over some surprise inclusions and omissions.
The team, revealed on Thursday night at the AFL Awards, featured 11 first-timers, Max Gawn’s record-equalling eighth nod, and Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron as captain.
But Cornes, speaking on SEN Fireball with co-host David King, was pressed on decisions such as Josh Battle’s back pocket selection and the absence of Aaron Naughton from even the 44-man squad.
Battle, captaincy and ‘unlucky’ calls
King asked why Cameron, not a club captain, was handed the honour. Cornes replied: “It has been the title of recognition of long and outstanding performance. I think it’s an outstanding honour for a player that has been at the top of his game for such a long period of time and was clearly one of the better performers individually for the year.”
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The debate grew sharper around Battle’s inclusion. King argued that Nick Vlastuin or Josh Worrell had stronger claims, but Cornes was adamant: “If you look at (Battle’s) record on the best this year, it is extraordinary. His defensive performance on the opposition’s most dangerous forward was outstanding.”
On Naughton’s omission, Cornes admitted the call was tough but pointed to the competition for forward spots.
“Darcy comes back, and his performance is great and he had a stretch there that was absolutely worthy of All-Australian selection. There are some good forwards.”
Cornes said he was satisfied with the final team despite inevitable disputes. “I find the sooking and the whinging about it… I get the passion; everyone wants their player to be selected. It’s not easy, and there are players that had outstanding years that have been unlucky and have missed out.”