Kane Cornes announces shock career move that has split footy fans

Footy fans will be able to watch Kane Cornes on Channel 7 next season after the outspoken media personality confirmed he has left Channel 9 for its rival broadcaster.

The Port Adelaide great has established himself as one of the most divisive figures in footy due to his strong opinions on the game, which he has aired on Nine and SEN for the duration of his media career.

Fox Footy had been strongly linked with a move for the 41-year-old, but he announced on Tuesday that he will be taking his talents to Seven, where he will work on game day as well as nightly news and footy programs. 

‘It was an opportunity that I was thrilled to have a listen to. It was too good to pass up,’ he said on SEN radio on Tuesday.

‘It’s been weighing on me a little bit with Channel 9 because they’ve been so amazing and it’s such a great place to work.

‘I get along with everyone so well there and I think the shows we do there are excellent.

‘To tell everyone as I did (on Monday) was a weight off the chest and I’ll move on to a place that I’m really excited to join.’

The premiership winner will join the 7AFL team from next season. He said in a media statement released by the broadcaster that he is thrilled to be a part of ‘the true home of the AFL’. 

The Port Adelaide great has made a name for himself with his no-nonsense takes on Nine

‘I have immense confidence in the network’s leadership and the exciting direction of 7AFL’s cutting-edge broadcast,’ he said.

‘The chance to work on the biggest games in free-to-air coverage and share my insights across 7NEWS and throughout the week is an incredible opportunity.

‘Seven is the true home of the AFL and next season promises to be the most exciting one yet and I’m looking forward to being a part it.’

Anthony De Ceglie, Seven’s news director, lauded Cornes’s work as a footy commentator. 

‘Kane is the number one voice in footy,’ he said. ‘He’s either creating the news or presenting the smartest take possible on issues.

‘We cannot wait to welcome Kane into the Seven family and look forward to hearing his sharp insights regularly on 7NEWS throughout the year.’

Given his divisive nature, footy fans’ reaction was unsurprisingly split. 

‘Say it isn’t so,’ said one disappointed fan.

‘Just when I thought the commentary couldn’t get any worse… channel 7 “hold my beer”‘ another said.

A third fan added: ‘Fox Footy subscriptions just went through the roof.’ 

Others, however, were delighted.

‘Terrific signing,’ said one fan. Another said: ‘I actually don’t mind this.’

A third fan said: ‘I can’t wait,’ alongside clapping emojis.