Kane Cornes declared ‘point-blank wrong’ about Adelaide’s three key forwards as heated debate rages

The Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison has declared Kane Cornes was “point-blank wrong” about Adelaide’s three key forwards after they fired the Crows into the semi-finals. Cornes has long held a view that Adelaide’s three-headed monster of Riley Thilthorpe, Darcy Fogarty and Taylor Walker would be their downfall in finals.

But it was a different story this year as Thilthorpe, Fogarty and Walker all kicked crucial goals in the last quarter to help Adelaide secure a pulsating win over the Western Bulldogs. The final-quarter performance prompted Hutchison to say Cornes was “point-blank wrong” in his assessment. “You’ve been red hot on the three tour forwards all year. You’ve smashed them week after week.

It started when you were at the other mob but went on last year,” Hutchison said. “And on the weekend, their last quarter was magnificent. They took 16 marks on the night. The Thilseeker (Thilthorpe) was massive late. “And you said they would not ever together as a three impact a final. And you are point blank wrong.” Cornes was quick to bite back, saying it was just an elimination final. “You’ve gone way too early. They kicked four goals between them against the weakest key defenders in the league in an elimination final,” he said. Hutchison: “When the game was there to be won, the three players, the specific three players that you said could not stand up together, delivered. And they delivered the win.” Cornes: “You’ve gone too early.” Hutchison: “Is 16 marks from three tall forwards enough in a final?” St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt then played peacemaker, declaring the performance as “par”.

There will be a big watch on the trio this week as they head to Brisbane for a cut-throat semi-final. But in any case, the Crows will have a new-look forward line next year with Walker announcing retiring at the end of the season. Walker has kicked 33 goals this year, while Thilthorpe (35) and Fogarty (32) have also topped 30, but they are all down on their outputs last year. Josh Rachele is surprisingly topping the club goalkicking this year with 41 goals.