Port aim to send Cornes off in style

Port Adelaide stalwart Kane Cornes doesn’t know what to expect at the final siren of his AFL career.

Cornes will play his 300th game against Richmond at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, then retire to pursue a career as a fireman.

Asked what he expects post-career, Cornes is frank.

“I don’t know, that is the honest truth,” he said.

“I’m fortunate that I am as well prepared as any player who has left the game.

“When I wake up on Monday and the boys will be preparing to play Melbourne at Alice Springs and I’m not there, that will be an interesting feeling. And it will take some adjustment.”

The 13th-placed Power, wobbling after consecutive losses to West Coast and Brisbane, are desperate to send off Cornes in style.

Coach Ken Hinkley has dumped long-serving defender Matthew Broadbent, to miss his first AFL game in four years because of poor form.

Key backman Alipate Carlile (back) and midfielder Ollie Wines (broken wrist) return with upgraded rookie Sam Gray.

The trio replace Broadbent, fellow defender Cam O’Shea and utility Kane Mitchell for a clash against the 11th-placed Tigers, who, like Port, have three wins and four losses this season.

Richmond, after banking a crucial last-start win against Collingwood, summoned ruck-forward Ben Griffiths and Shane Edwards to replace omitted novices Todd Elton and Liam McBean.

The Tigers have grim memories of their last away trip to meet Port Adelaide, in last year’s elimination final, when Port pulverised them with an eight-goal opening quarter en route to a 57-point win.

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