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FWC Finals on Sport Nation guide"Can't beat anyone": Cornes laments missed opportunity for Saints
Nicholas Quinlan • July 18th, 2026 3:51 pm
Kane Cornes has criticised St Kilda following a disappointing loss on Thursday, which opens the door to them dropping out of the Wildcard places.
After splashing the cash during the trade period to bring in a slew of players into the club, such as Tom De Koning, Sam Flanders, Jack Silvagni and Liam Ryan, hopes were high amongst the St Kilda fanbase of making at least the Wildcard.
Whilst they have seen improvement from last season, their chances of securing a place in the top ten are now hanging in the balance after a 27-point loss against a depleted Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
With the possibility of the Saints falling out of the top 10 should one of GWS, Carlton or North Melbourne win this week, the 2004 Premiership player expressed his disappointment at their inability to beat sides above them on the ladder.
“It was uncompetitive from the Saints at times, which was really disappointing,” Cornes said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“It was a real opportunity for them to get a scalp against a side that had made seven changes and were missing some key personnel.
“St Kilda can't beat anyone, and that's the story. St Kilda should be better than what they are; they've beaten the Giants a couple of times. That's their best wins of the season.
“They're currently in 11th position, then it's not much after that.
“Port Adelaide a couple of times, Carlton when they were a mess just before they sacked their coach, West Coast and Essendon.
“So, I think with the investment that they have made and some of their young players actually performing well, it wasn't really the youngsters on Thursday night that let them down.
“(Hugo) Garcia is doing what he's doing. (Darcy) Wilson was really solid. (Matheus) Philippou has put together a good fortnight, (Marcus) Windhager is a limited player but did his thing.
“So where is the missing piece for the Saints that (in) year four (of) Ross (Lyon) should be far more advanced and in finals calculations than where they sit after a disappointing Thursday night on the primetime stage against a vulnerable opposition?”
The Saints are back to Marvel Stadium for their first of a three-match run at the venue as they take on North Melbourne next Sunday.
That takes place from 3:15pm AEST.
