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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jonathan Horn

The rise of loud and opinionated AFL media is reflective of a wider malaise

Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis enjoyed a standout performance against the Bulldogs at the weekend.
Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis enjoyed a standout performance against the Bulldogs at the weekend. Photograph: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“It’s about creating content, basically,” Kane Cornes told the podcaster Dylan Buckley in 2021. “You’re always thinking, ‘what am I going to say next?’ Or you’re lying awake – what’s the angle going to be tomorrow? What’s the reaction here?”

Cornes has been in the football news all week. Jason Horne Francis was the matchwinner on Saturday night, but Cornes became the story. It’s the same most weeks. He trends on Twitter. He defends himself on TV, radio and social media. He drives the agenda. He weighs in. He lashes out. He pushes back. He’s the game’s most divisive figure.

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