AFL
3 weeks ago
“This is laughable”: Cornes responds to Suns’ reported push for a handful of prime-time games
By SEN
Kane Cornes doesn’t think Gold Coast are deserving of the prime-time games they’re pushing for in 2025.
According to a report in the Herald Sun, the Suns have asked for four more big drawing games against quality opponents.
The report also says that Gold Coast is pushing for a ‘handful’ of Thursday night games, which they believe they deserve given their game style.
Cornes described that push as laughable, as the Suns have yet to play finals since joining the AFL over a decade ago.
He discussed the report with Sam Edmund on SEN Breakfast and Cornes added that he’d instead give the Suns just one Thursday game and two Saturday night games if he were drawing up the 2025 fixture.
Cornes: “I don’t think I got sucked into this, I don't think I did, ‘Suns eye more prime time fixtures’ was in the Herald Sun.
“So Gold Coast has asked for four more big drawing games against quality opponents in the school holiday period to maximise their fixture, which also includes two games in Darwin.
“But this is the bit that got me, the Suns believe they are well suited to a handful of Thursday night games, given their up-tempo style.
“In what world are Gold Coasts suited to a handful (of prime-time games)? This isn’t one, this is a handful.
“When someone says, ‘Can I have a handful?’, I think it’s five. If Gold Coast think they deserve five Thursday night games … like this is laughable, isn't it?”
Edmund: “They sold out games Brisbane, Essendon, Richmond and Collingwood last year.
“They're about to pop the Suns.”
Cornes: “So you're okay with Gold Coast having a handful of Thursday night games, are you?
Edmund: “Well, I wouldn't make it just Thursday.
Cornes: “It says the Suns believe they are well suited to a handful of Thursday night games given their up-tempo style. I'm reading it word for word.
Edmund: “Get ahead of the curve. They're about ready to explode and play finals for the first time.”
Cornes: “I'll give you one Thursday night, Gold Coast, and two Saturday nights, that’s all they deserve.”
The first part of the 2025 AFL fixture will be released in late November.
