Expert commentator Kane Cornes circles fake AFL ‘superstars’
The word ‘star’ and ‘superstar’ can often grate on sporting fans when it is dished out excessively and inappropriately.
And yes, journalists (including this one) and callers alike are guilty of overusing the adjective.
The use of ‘superstar’, in particular, is certainly too prolific mainstream media.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.And as we head into the 2025 AFL season, expert commentator Kane Cornes says enough is enough.
It is a line-in-the-sand moment for Cornes, who has named 10 players who are often referred to as a “superstar”, but don’t really fit the bill.
And for Cornes, the No.1 player unworthy of superstar ‘status’ is Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton.
The high-flying Naughton certainly has some tricks and can light up a forward line.
But his best season in front of goal came in 2022 where he managed 51. Last year that tally dipped to 35.
Naughton — who is yet to earn an All-Australian blazer and has only been the club’s leading goalkicker on two occasions — signed a whopping eight-year deal at the end of the 2023 season.
Cornes has also been critical of that extension. At 25 years age, there is still plenty of time for Naughton to move in the ‘superstar’ category but for the now Cornes says we need a new word when describing the key forward.
Cornes also has a couple of Magpies in his sights and they are the captain Darcy Moore and forward-mid Jordan De Goey.
De Goey’s issues have been well-documented over the years.
He has threatened, he has teased, we’ve seen glimpses of Dustin Martin (the former Tiger who was a true superstar), but the reality is De Goey hasn’t really delivered (consistently) on the hype and, at 28, he may not get there.
At his explosive best, De Goey can be one of the most exciting players in the comp. It just doesn’t happen regularly enough throughout a season.
Cornes has two 27-year-old midfielders in his sights, as well, and they are Essendon’s Darcy Parish and Richmond’s Tim Taranto.
Both players are without a doubt ball-magnets but the knock on the pair of them is their ball use. They can rack up huge numbers but the accumulators don’t necessarily turn the game for their team in the process.
Kane’s top 10 non AFL superstars
1 - Aaron Naughton (WB)
2 - Darcy Moore (Coll)
3 - Jordan De Goey (Coll)
4 - Darcy Parish (Ess)
5 - Tim Taranto Rich)
6 - Luke Jackson (Fre)
7 - Max King (St K)
8 - Matt Rowell (GC)
9 - Taylor Walker (Adel)
10 - Harrison Petty (Mel)
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
