- The Kangaroos suffered another loss on Thursday night
- Followed through with ban on Cornes interviewing the coach and player
- Channel 7 identity poked fun at their decision despite serious allegations
Controversial Channel 7 footy commentator Kane Cornes has openly mocked North Melbourne’s decision to ban him from interviewing players and coaching staff.
The conflict between AFL commentator Kane Cornes and the North Melbourne Football Club escalated this weekwhen the club imposed a media ban on the former Port Adelaide star.
The Kangaroos claimed Cornes commentary was ‘personal and vindictive’ towards players, particularly targeting young talents Harry Sheezel and Jy Simpkin.
Cornes had criticised Sheezel’s playing style as ‘stat-padding’ and labeled Simpkin’s on-field behavior as unbecoming of a captain, suggesting he should focus more on performance than ‘mouthing off.’
The club’s football boss, Todd Viney, condemned these remarks as bullying. Cornes defended his critiques as fair analysis but acknowledged he might reconsider his approach if it adversely affected players’ mental health.
The Kangaroos followed through with their threat on Thursday night, barring Cornes from interview coach Alastair Clarkson.
Channel 7 and Kane Cornes came up with this gag to make fun of the North Melbourne media ban on the former Port Adelaide star
Cornes has been critical of the North Melbourne coach and players, which meant he was allowed into the ground to call the game, but was denied interviews with the players and coach
It didn’t stop Cornes from trying, filmed trying to gain access to the North Melbourne sheds after their heart-breaking three-point loss to Essendon on Thursday night.
While standing outside, Channel 7 presenter Hamish McLachlan presented him with a ‘gift’ from their social media team – a costume fake nose, moustache and glasses.
Cornes put on the comical attire, with the network posting: ‘Introducing … Ken Cones’.
‘They’ll never see it coming,’ the network also posted.
While the ploy was not successful in getting Cornes an interview with Clarkson, the Kangaroos coach did fire a shot at the Channel 7 presenter when interviewed by the host broadcaster.
‘They say those that live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, so I know a little bit about Kane’s history,’ Clarkson told Channel 7.
‘Some of the things he was saying about Jy (Simpkin) and ‘Sheez’, I just think – especially from the host broadcaster and who is covering this game tonight – this isn’t shared across the football world, but I’ve got a view there should be a relatively good balance.
‘Particularly when you’re talking about the players – they’re the product of the game – they’re the guys on the field and in the trenches with their mates trying to fight for their side.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson believes Cornes has crossed a line with his criticism
The Kangaroos came agonisingly close to securing a win against Essendon before losing late
‘When the line gets crossed, we know that there’s critique in the game, we’ve been copping it for 20 years.
‘You know, especially as a coach, when these things happen we just have to cop it on the chin.
‘I think it’s a good indication of our stability as a football club. This was a club decision from the board right through to the football department that we need to look after our people and we just think it was untoward.’
But Cornes said he had no regrets about his comments.
‘Not really. I think that was all reasonably strong criticism, but I think it was fair,’ he said.
‘This is a club that’s won nine games in the last four seasons, so they would understand that with this game and with underperformance, comes some strong scrutiny.
‘That’s what they’ve received and it’s a little bit disappointing that they’ve taken this route because I think as a club, they need to stand up and answer some hard questions.
‘It’s very easy to run away so I’m disappointed and I think they’ve been poorly advised in this.’
