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Sport Nation
In the gun: Cornes lines up North ahead of Eagles clash
SEN • June 12th, 2026 11:36 am
Kane Cornes has North Melbourne firmly in the gun ahead of their Round 14 clash against West Coast in Perth.
The Roos were diabolical in their first sold WA ‘home’ game last weekend, going down by 124 points to Fremantle in Bunbury.
Despite that disastrous outing, the only two unforced omissions were Wil Dawson and Zac Fisher, something that Cornes simply couldn’t wrap his head around.
He discussed North failing to make a stand at the selection table, whilst also putting the heat on club captain Nick Larkey to deliver when his team needs him.
Cornes: “When Adelaide kicked 14 goals in a row against your North Melbourne, the one player that paid the price at selection was Blamires. Well, he's back in.
“They had 19 kicked on them in a row this time, and you know whose fault it was? It was Will Dawson and Zac Fisher’s fault (as they were dropped).
“I forgot Zac Fisher was even on a list! But he's the one that's paid the price for that… and poor old Wil Dawson, who Brady Rawlings told us was going to be the next Glen Jakovich in the off-season, he's paid the price.
“Caleb Daniel survived, Zurhaar survived, Simpkin has survived… that’s unbelievable, really.”
King: “Selection is one of the great tools to correct a footy club. I think you need to use it a bit.
“It's a difficult situation for Clarko this week because maybe he wanted to drop more, but they have to win the game.
“Do you make the statement and lose the four points, or just win the four points and get out of Texas?”
Cornes: “You mentioned Nick Larkey on Monday. I'm looking for him to have a big game.
“No, Reuben Ginbey, he’s the captain of the club. Nick Larkey is a very good footballer, and he needs to show it against the lowly West Coast.”
King: “So, what would get him out of the gun?”
“The goal tally is one thing. I think he's probably going to have to kick four for them to win, but I'd love some strong contested marks and see him present up at the footy again.”
Saturday’s game between North Melbourne and West Coast begins at 4:15pm (AEST) and 2:15pm (AWST).
