“This is an absolute outrage”: Cornes slams Suns for proposed Dan Rioli deal

Kane Cornes has slammed the Gold Coast Suns for the assets they’re reportedly willing to give up in a trade for premiership Tiger Daniel Rioli.

The reigning Jack Dyer Medallist requested a trade to the Suns at season’s end, yet with Rioli under contract until the end of 2027, it’s expected that his services will come at a hefty price.

However, for Cornes, the suggested framework of Pick 6 and 23 in exchange for Rioli was simply unfathomable.

“We’ve cried and sooked and moaned about Josh Battle getting Pick 8, we’ve all sooked it up, yet on one hand we’re suggesting the right compensation for Richmond for Dan Rioli who’s a 27-year-old half-back flanker is Pick 6 and 23,” Cornes said on AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.

“If you’re going to put a draft pick on Dan Rioli, between 18 and 25.

“This is an absolute outrage and it’s almost to the point where the AFL need to come and step in with some of the stupid stuff Gold Coast are doing.

“Maybe Gold Coast are going to realise this is the most irresponsible trade since they traded Jack Bowes and Pick 7.”

Cornes compared the proposed deal to the ongoing negotiations around Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston, with Picks 12 and 13 being floated as enough to satisfy the Power.

“One is a far superior footballer, Dan Houston’s all-round game compared to Dan Rioli, it’s not even a comparison,” he said.

“Rioli can’t defend… don’t get me wrong he’s a terrific ball carrier, he’s got great speed, good decision-maker and can really hurt you, but I’m telling you he gets punished the other way.

“Dan Houston is an excellent defender, he’s a terrific intercept marker, he’s a better kick and ball user.

“12 and 13 for Houston, and 6 and 23 for Rioli, it’s ridiculous.”

Cornes went on to commend Richmond for getting such good value out of a departing player, placing his criticism exclusively on the Suns.

“This is on Gold Coast, this is not a criticism of Richmond,” he said.

“Richmond, good on you, get what you absolutely can and I’d be doing the same thing.

“This is at Gold Coast, where’s the responsibility for this club once again, who a few years ago traded Pick 7 and Jack Bowes to Geelong.

“Everyone wants to get inside this draft, particularly in the top 12 selections and you’re going to give Pick 6 for a running half back outside flanker who’s 27 years of age.

“They’re talking about on Fox Footy Pick 23 as well, I nearly lost my mind.”