Remove Kane Cornes from all Media Roles

The AFL and its media partners at the 7 Network and SEN need to remove Kane Cornes from his media roles following his comments regarding the alleged sexual assault of a woman involving AFL player or players in the early hours of Monday the 17th of August 2026.

The issue is not about whether Kane Cornes is entitled to discuss the football implications of the situation. The issue is what he chose to make the focus of his commentary.

When discussing the allegation of sexual assault, the first consideration should be the alleged victim, the seriousness of the allegation, and the broader issue of violence against women. Instead, the overwhelming focus of Cornes’ commentary appeared to be on what the situation meant for Sydney’s ability to win the AFL premiership.

A premiership is completely irrelevant when compared with an allegation of sexual assault.

This is not a discussion about injuries, suspensions, form or whether a team has been disadvantaged on the field. We are talking about an alleged crime involving a woman. Reducing the discussion primarily to its impact on a football club’s premiership aspirations demonstrates an extraordinary lack of perspective and compassion.

It also sends the wrong message at a time when Australian society is having serious conversations about violence against women and the responsibility of institutions, sporting organisations and public figures to take these issues seriously.

The AFL has repeatedly spoken about respect, inclusion, community standards and the importance of protecting women. Those values cannot simply apply when they are convenient. They need to be reflected in the way the AFL and its media figures respond when allegations such as this arise.

Kane Cornes’ comments are therefore not simply a matter of having a different opinion. They represent a failure to understand the gravity of the subject matter and the responsibility that comes with having a significant public platform.

There should be consequences.

Removing Cornes from his media role would send an important message that the protection, dignity and welfare of women matter more than football.

No premiership, no club’s season and no sporting storyline should ever take precedence over an alleged sexual assault.

If the AFL and its media partners are genuinely serious about changing the culture around violence against women, then it needs to demonstrate that seriousness when it matters, not just through campaigns, slogans and statements.

An example needs to be made.