FORMER Port Adelaide star Chad Cornes has always been a leader but being named captain of the All Stars team for this year’s EJ Whitten Legends game caught him off guard.

Cornes - who played 255 AFL games - says it was an honour, if not slightly surprising, to be appointed skipper in a game that supports two great foundations.

“I’m not sure how I got the nod for captain but it is a privilege on what will be a fantastic night,” Cornes told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“I played a couple of years ago in Melbourne and the players are right behind it, it was a great night for everyone.

“The players have a bit of fun and the crowd are right into it, so to have it at Adelaide Oval for two great causes, I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

Under a merger with the Little Heroes Foundation’s annual Slowdown, the EJ Whitten Legends game will be played away from Melbourne, at Adelaide Oval, for the first time on Friday 31 August.

Cornes’ 239 games in the black, white, and teal came before football’s bold move to Adelaide Oval, which means the EJ Whitten Legends game represents his first opportunity to play at the magnificent venue.

“I never played a game on Adelaide Oval and I get a big jealous running out with the boys - it looks like an amazing place to play footy,” he said.

“I assume that because it’s being played in Adelaide, a few of my old teammates will come down and celebrate a great cause.”

The 38-year-old has been running for Port Adelaide since 2016 and tries to stay as fit as he can but admits that getting through a game of footy may be tough.

“Although I try and make it look good on the outside, the body is struggling on the inside and I will no doubt need to dose myself up with some pain killers,” he said.

The All-Stars will be coached by AFL Legend Malcolm Blight.

Cornes’ teammates will be announced in coming weeks.

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