“Look out”: Cornes excited by Dons on-baller with All-Australian potential

Kane Cornes is excited about what Essendon’s Sam Durham can produce in 2025.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, seeing huge increases in his averages per game for disposals (21.4), inside 50s (4.5), clearances (4.1) and tackles (4.4).

After proving that he’s a quality midfielder at the top level, Durham may have added another string to his bow this summer after taking a brilliant hanger as a forward at Essendon pre-season training.

Cornes was wowed by Durham’s big grab, and he thinks that the midfielder has the ability to go to the next level and one day be an All-Australian if he can also make an impact in front of the ball.

“It was an extraordinary mark,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast. 

“I just love him as a player. What could his ceiling be as a player?

“I think his ceiling is probably All-Australian level. He’s good enough to be an All-Australian, although it’s really hard to get there as a midfielder.

“I think he’s that good. It’s more about the way he plays as well as the leadership capabilities that he’s got. 

“If he can add that, start going forward a little bit more like the best midfielders do, and if he can catch it like that, then look out.”

Durham and the Bombers open up their 2025 campaign with an Opening Round clash against Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Saturday March 8.