Cornes was dropped to the local league two weeks ago, following a string of sub-par performances.
The dual All-Australian is contracted for next season but there has been speculation the club could part ways with the decorated veteran, as it embarks on a new chapter in its history under a new coach.
Last week caretaker coach Matthew Primus said the Power were yet to make a decision on Cornes’ future, but that the 30-year-old would need to regain form over the next five weeks to press his case for next season.
On Sunday, Primus said that injury could now deny Cornes that opportunity.
“Chad’s seeing a surgeon tomorrow,” Primus said.
“Whatever hand [that his injured finger is on] is the same one that he’s got a few other fingers banged up on as well. He’ll see a surgeon and they’ll decide whether they need to operate of if he can get through the next five weeks with it.”
Primus recorded his first win as coach of Port Adelaide in Sunday's showdown at AAMI Stadium.
The Power rediscovered the four-quarter intensity that had been missing over their record nine-game losing streak to run out 19-point winners.
The showdown contests are renowned for their competitiveness and closeness and Primus said the game had come at a good time for his team.
“The club was in a pretty big hole there for nine weeks. That [nine games] is a long losing streak and it was burning in everyone’s stomach, not only the people at the club but the people that sponsor us and support us,” Primus said.
“It [the showdown] was another motivating factor that we could use because after nine [losses] it’s hard to get yourself out of a rut and you’ve got to find something to spark you.
“We were able to find this, but it [the win] doesn’t mean too much if you let the season meander along and you don’t produce that again.”
