Cornes played 239 games for Port Adelaide between 1999 and his initial retirement in 2011.
He was then offered the opportunity to play in the inaugural Greater Western Sydney side in 2012 where he would add a further 16 games to his career.
Cornes was the 49th player to represent Port Adelaide in the AFL and has played the fourth-highest number of games for the club since 1997.
The older brother of current Port Adelaide wingman Kane, the duo are currently equal eighth on the all time VFL/AFL list of most games played by brothers, tied with former Port Adelaide players Shane and Darryl Wakelin on 513 matches.
Debuting in Round 6, 1999 against the Adelaide Crows, Cornes would go on to forge a reputation as one of the hardest players in the Power’s golden era.
The club’s chief protagonist in local Showdowns with the Crows (archenemy to the multitude of Crows supporters who he loved to antagonise), Cornes’ reputation was one of unrelenting commitment to the Power’s cause.
His individual merits at the club were few – the Power’s most improved player in 2002; its best finals player in 2005; and a runner-up in the 2007 John Cahill Medal behind his brother; Chad let his football do the talking.
He was a notable third in the 2004 Brownlow Medal count, the same year he played in the club’s inaugural AFL flag.
A favourite with supporters and teammates alike, Cornes’ legacy at the Power is assured.
Not only did he set a standard for toughness at the club – one that modern day defenders like Jackson Trengove strive to emulate – but his longevity over more than a decade at the club sees him stand among Port Adelaide’s other greats in the eyes of supporters.
The Port Adelaide Football Club congratulates Chad on his career and wishes him the best of luck with his future pursuits in the football industry.
Chad Cornes playing record
239 games – Port Adelaide (fourth most games played)
16 games – GWS Giants
2002 John Cahill Medal – third place
2002 Most Improved Player
2004 AFL Premiership Player
2005 Best Finals Player
2006 Showdown XX medalist
2007 John Cahill Medal – runner-up
