Chad Cornes

The eldest son of South Australian football icon Graham Cornes, Chad arrived at Port Adelaide via the draft and established himself as a cornerstone of the club's history alongside his brother, Kane. While he initially showed promise as a key defender, Cornes truly flourished when shifted into the midfield, where his height, contested marking ability, and aggression created a nightmare mismatch for opposition taggers. He was instrumental in the Power's breakthrough 2004 premiership and earned two All-Australian selections, celebrated at Alberton for the very abrasive, passionate style that often made him a villain to rival fans.

His tenure at Port Adelaide concluded under difficult circumstances in 2011, as the coaching staff looked to regenerate the list, leading to his initial retirement. However, the entry of Greater Western Sydney into the competition provided an unexpected second chapter. Recruited by Kevin Sheedy as a playing mentor, Cornes brought fierce competitiveness to the expansion side for two seasons, offering physical protection and leadership to a squad of teenagers before hanging up the boots for good as a revered figure in South Australian football.