Cornes will play his first game back from suspension after senior coach Ken Hinkley confirmed his position in tomorrow’s final team to portadelaidefc.com.au.
“Clearly Kane will come back into the side and I know it’s only a squad but it’s rightly so that he deserves a spot,” said Hinkley.
“His form’s been incredibly strong throughout the whole season and he adds a lot to our side.”
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Tom Jonas will miss the next three matches after being suspended for rough conduct against St Kilda in Round 17.
Backmen Dom Cassisi, Nathan Blee and Jack Hombsch are all named on the club’s extended bench and Hinkley says each would be in the mix to replace him.
“We’ll miss Tommy; he’s been in really good form all season and a key defender against talls or smalls,” said Hinkley.
“We’ve got Cassisi, Blee and Hombsch named in the squad and I’m sure one of them will be able to come in and cover for us.”
Matt Thomas has also been named on the extended bench on the back of a 33-disposal effort in the SANFL.
Jake Neade has been rested from team as part of an ongoing player management process.
The Power conceded a 39-point margin at half time to trail St Kilda late in the final quarter last Saturday.
While the Power hit back through Justin Westhoff and Jasper Pittard to win the game, Hinkley says his team learned some valuable lessons to take into Sunday’s match against Brisbane.
“I think we can learn a lot from last week,” said Hinkley.
“I think our best is very hard to stop but if we don’t play four quarters in a game of AFL football we’ll get found out.
“You’re never too far in front that you can afford to rest.
“Brisbane has been in really good form having won four of their last five and they’ll provide a really good challenge to our boys.
“But most sides do challenge you in AFL football and we can’t afford to let up on Sunday.”
Port Adelaide hosts the Brisbane Lions at 12:40pm (ACST) at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, or supporters can purchase a 3-game membership to gain access to the club’s remaining home games against the Lions, Gold Coast and Carlton as well as PRIORITY access to seating at Adelaide Oval.
Visit portadelaidefc.com.au from 4:30pm on Friday for the final 22-man team. View the squads for both teams here.
Port Adelaide Round 18 squad v Brisbane Lions
FB: Cameron O’Shea, Alipate Carlile, Paul Stewart
HB: Matthew Broadbent, Jackson Trengove, Sam Colquhoun
C: Chad Wingard, Travis Boak, Jasper Pittard
HF: Robbie Gray, John Butcher, Angus Monfries
FF: Justin Westhoff, Jay Schulz, Hamish Hartlett
Foll: Matthew Lobbe, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
Interchange from: Oliver Wines, Matt Thomas, Dom Cassisi, Andrew Moore, Jack Hombsch, Nathan Blee, Kane Mitchell
In: Nathan Blee, Dom Cassisi, Kane Cornes, Jack Hombsch, Matt Thomas
Out: Tom Jonas (suspension), Jake Neade (rested)
