Ratings Kryptonite: Why Cornes thinks Essendon need a spell from Anzac Day

Kane Cornes believes it’s time for the Anzac Day game to be taken off Essendon and shared around.

His opinion comes after the Bombers were smashed by Collingwood to the tune of 77 points in front of more than 92,000 fans at the MCG on Saturday.

The traditional blockbuster has been reserved for the Dons and Pies, but Cornes firmly believes that should now change given Essendon’s shortcomings of late.

“Is it time for Essendon to have a spell?,” he said on SEN’s Fireball.

“I know you built it, but North Melbourne built Friday night footy and they don't play Friday night every week anymore.

“I know you built it, I know you were instrumental in what it is today, but does that guarantee you playing on Anzac Day every year?

“Because the Bombers are ratings kryptonite. No one watches Essendon. It's the reason why Thursday night footy was a disaster late last year and they had to get them out of Thursday night footy. Any prime time fixture they just haven't performed.

“So do you lose that right when you continually front up in prime time, no one watches you, crowds dip and your performance isn't there.

“So a three-year spell for the Bombers on Anzac Day until they can get their stuff together.”

David King asked about legacy, history and tradition, suggesting the Dons have done a great job in building Anzac Day into the behemoth it now is.

He wonders why Cornes has such a thirst for change.

“I’m open to all of that. They've won two of their last 10,” Cornes replied.

“The game is funded by the broadcaster, and it's funded by media, and if people start choosing to tune out to Essendon games, which is what's happening, unfortunately, and it's not good for them, it’s not good for them in their stage of development to be in the prime time stage.

“It was no good for Hawthorn three years ago. It was no good for Carlton one year when they had a million prime time games and they couldn't cope with it. So you get them out.

“I just think a Geelong v Collingwood or a Sydney v Collingwood on Anzac Day, open it up to different markets around the country with the rivalry between Sydney and Collingwood who have played some great games over the years, just lock that in for three years.

“How often do Geelong have bad years, not often. Sydney the same.

“I know it can happen to everyone, but I just think it's time for the Rating’s Kryptonite Bombers to have a spell on Anzac Day.

“Just because you built it doesn’t mean you get it forever.

“Why we don't give the opportunity for other clubs, other team’s supporters, other players to experience this amazing day, the greatest honour, home and away that you can have to play on this.

“Why is it only for two teams? And one of those teams is no good and they've been no good in this fixture for 10 years. Give someone else a go.”

Cornes added: “Sydney versus Collingwood at the MCG on Anzac Day would go crazy and it would go crazy around the whole country, not just in Victoria.

“The ratings opportunity that that would provide and then if you want to stay in Victoria, give it to Geelong who you know are going to front up and bring a crowd and perform.”