Post by Violetta on Feb 17, 2003 8:20:23 GMT 9.5
New-look Cornes gives Power boost
By ZAC MILBANK
17feb03
PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams would have been satisfied with Saturday's 173-point demolition of reigning SANFL premier Sturt in more ways than one.
Not only did his side create some welcome headaches at the selection table with a 28.21 (189) to 2.4 (16) scoreline but one player in particular did enough to suggest he could provide a new option for Williams' midfield rotation.
Regular key forward Chad Cornes spent the first two terms playing as a midfielder and his eye-catching performance indicated he was not out of his depth.
"It's something a bit different and gives us a bit of versatility," Cornes said.
"It's means there's a bigger body in the middle but it's the first time we've tried it.
"It went well today so hopefully we might try it again."
Aerobically, Cornes appeared to have little trouble in keeping up with the pace of the game as he helped himself to two goals. "My fitness is pretty good so it shouldn't be a problem," Cornes said.
"I've always been able to run well and my fitness is as good as it has probably been."
He also used his neat disposal to good effect through the centre and on one occasion, made his physical presence felt with a well-anticipated interception.
"I wouldn't mind playing like Adam Goodes but I'm not as tall as him," Cornes said.
"But if you could also get close to playing like Kouta (Carlton champion Anthony Koutoufides) it would be great." Well aware of Cornes' ability, Williams' experiment might act as a handy ace to have up his sleeve this season.
"Chad has great running ability," Williams said. "It's an area where we don't have someone of that larger size in the centre square.
"If Chad can play a minor role there at some stage that would work nicely for us."
Sturt used Saturday's trial to test many of its young hopefuls, with 10 players missing from last year's grand final-winning side.
By ZAC MILBANK
17feb03
PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams would have been satisfied with Saturday's 173-point demolition of reigning SANFL premier Sturt in more ways than one.
Not only did his side create some welcome headaches at the selection table with a 28.21 (189) to 2.4 (16) scoreline but one player in particular did enough to suggest he could provide a new option for Williams' midfield rotation.
Regular key forward Chad Cornes spent the first two terms playing as a midfielder and his eye-catching performance indicated he was not out of his depth.
"It's something a bit different and gives us a bit of versatility," Cornes said.
"It's means there's a bigger body in the middle but it's the first time we've tried it.
"It went well today so hopefully we might try it again."
Aerobically, Cornes appeared to have little trouble in keeping up with the pace of the game as he helped himself to two goals. "My fitness is pretty good so it shouldn't be a problem," Cornes said.
"I've always been able to run well and my fitness is as good as it has probably been."
He also used his neat disposal to good effect through the centre and on one occasion, made his physical presence felt with a well-anticipated interception.
"I wouldn't mind playing like Adam Goodes but I'm not as tall as him," Cornes said.
"But if you could also get close to playing like Kouta (Carlton champion Anthony Koutoufides) it would be great." Well aware of Cornes' ability, Williams' experiment might act as a handy ace to have up his sleeve this season.
"Chad has great running ability," Williams said. "It's an area where we don't have someone of that larger size in the centre square.
"If Chad can play a minor role there at some stage that would work nicely for us."
Sturt used Saturday's trial to test many of its young hopefuls, with 10 players missing from last year's grand final-winning side.