Cornes staggered by Bulldogs commentary on Smith, Macrae and Daniel

Kane Cornes has taken aim at the Western Bulldogs for the stance they have taken on a trio of players in particular.

Cornes says he almost laughed at comments made by Bulldogs list boss Sam Power regarding Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel on AFL Trade Radio on Monday.

Regarding Smith, who is expected to join Geelong this trade period, Power referenced the marketability of the 23-year-old.

Power on Smith: “We’ve had a couple of preliminary chats with Geelong.

“We think Bailey's worth a lot, a 23-year-old, influences the results of games, highly marketable player as well, he’s got the attributes of the modern game.

“So we'll negotiate in good faith to hopefully reach an outcome during this trade period.”

Cornes responded to that, staggered by the way the Dogs spoke about Smith who found himself stuck on a half-forward flank prior to his ACL injury.

“Putting the marketability in there was interesting,” he said on The Early Trade.

“I’ve never heard a club talk up players that they haven't really loved more than I heard Sam talk up his players yesterday.

“So Bailey Smith? Yeah, he's a good player, but Luke Beveridge was playing him at half-forward, and he couldn't even break into that midfield, which was highly frustrating for Bailey Smith.

“Now for Sam to get up there and say he's a great player and he influences games, he plays the modern way, he’s highly marketable is rubbish when you look at the way when he was fit that your coach was using him.

“So I found that staggering.”

Next up was Macrae, who has requested a trade to St Kilda despite being contracted until 2027.

Power on Macrae: “He has indicated he wants to get to St Kilda, but we haven't had a chat to St Kilda.

“He's got three years left, he played 19 games this year, he's a three-time All-Australian.

“I think when someone comes to you your initial starting point is to be respectful of that and and you sort of open ears.

“But at the same time, it needs to be a suitable deal, especially for a player in contract.”

Cornes highlighted the fact that Macrae, who is a premiership player and three-time All-Australian, was used as a sub on several occasions and was being played on the periphery of the midfield under Luke Beveridge.

“He went on to speak about how much they love Jack Macrae,” Cornes said of the 30-year-old.

“Your coach doesn't rate him. Let's be completely honest. Who could fault Jack Macrae wanting to be traded from the Western Bulldogs?

“I’m more than happy for them to keep him, 100%. You can keep him as much you like, but let's not talk him up like he's a superstar.

“Let's not say that he's a really influential player and we're going to have to get fairly compensated for him. Your coach doesn't rate him!

“He plays him at sub at every opportunity. He's the first one out at every opportunity.”

Vice-captain and 2020 best and fairest Daniel, who is also a premiership player and All-Australian, is a trade target for North Melbourne but is contracted with the Dogs until the end of 2026.

Power on Daniel: “There's been no indication from Caleb or his management that he wants to look elsewhere.

“Caleb's the vice-captain of the club, two years left on a contract, a really valuable player. So can't really comment on that at this stage.”

Cornes couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing given that Daniel was omitted on several occasions throughout the 2024 season.

“The vice-captain of the club, really valuable player that you've put in the VFL eight times,” he questioned.

“Come on, this is rubbish. I'm not surprised that clubs are doing this, but if you want Caleb Daniel, you should be playing him, Sam.

“And if they're not going to play him, don't talk him up like he's the vice-captain and a really influential member of your side that you do not want to play and that your coach does not rate.

“So Smith, Macrae and Daniel, your coach doesn't rate. That's the facts of it.

“So don't start talking them up like they're these superstars that are so important to the makeup of your team.

“Surely the Dogs fans can see straight (through it).

“I almost laughed when I heard (the comments). Sam's doing what Sam's trying to do and do the best for the club, but don't tell me that you love Jack Macrae.

“Come on. 'Bevo' loves Jack Macrae does he? And Bailey Smith and Caleb Daniel? Please.”