- Exchange was played out on X involving Kane Cornes
Controversial AFL commentator Kane Cornes has launched a blistering attack on veteran reporter Chip Le Grand.
Baffled by St Kilda coach Ross Lyon’s decision to replace Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in the final quarter of Sunday’s match against Melbourne, Cornes gave a typically blunt assessment of the move before being called out by the distinguished journalist from The Age.
‘Kane Cornes was the third best footballer in his family and his game analysis is similarly third rate,’ Le Grand posted on X.
‘As a Saints fan, I wish keeping Nas on the bench for a few minutes too long was the worst of our problems.’
Cornes lived up to his reputation for not shying away from conflict as he fired back at Le Grand.
‘What the F would you know about the sport, Chip?’ he replied.
Kane Cornes has engaged in a war of words with veteran reporter Chip Le Grand from The Age
Le Grand called out Cornes (pictured) when the former Port Adelaide star blasted St Kilda coach Ross Lyon’s decision to bench Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera against the Demons
Le Grand tweeted that Cornes was the ‘third best footballer in his family’ and branded his analysis ‘third rate’
When Cornes responded, Le Grand retorted with ‘all hail the jockocracy!’
Le Grand has worked for 25 years covering national affairs, sport, politics and crime
Le Grand, clearly amused by the war of words with the outspoken media identity, later posted ‘all hail the jockocracy!’, referring to Cornes’ background as a premiership-winning AFL star turned polarising commentator.
In December, Cornes took aim at Aussie cricket star Cameron Green after the all-rounder was sold for a record amount at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.
‘Hope it (the contract) includes a money-back guarantee,’ he posted, referencing Green’s form struggles.
Cornes was also slapped with a ban by North Melbourne after launching a series of what the club called ‘personal and vindictive’ attacks on their rising star Harry Sheezel.
Additionally, Cornes was last year involved in a fiery exchange with Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge, who later banned the commentator from his dressing room.
Cornes made his AFL debut in 2001 after he was selected as pick 20 by Port Adelaide in the 2000 draft.
The midfielder won a flag in 2004, and remained a one-club player, retiring in 2015 after 300 career appearances.
He briefly worked with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service before turning his attention to a media career.
Cornes is also an accomplished distance runner, recording top-30 finishes at marathons in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
