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Important SN update for SouthlandCornes: Emerging gun can be Port's version of Jordan Dawson
SEN • June 27th, 2025 12:35 pm
Kane Cornes loved Miles Bergman’s response in Thursday night’s 50-point win over Carlton.
Bergman drew Cornes’ ire last week after he told Sydney’s Isaac Heeney – who he was playing on – that he was unwell before the Swan went on to be best afield with two goals and 28 disposals.
Tasked with another big job, this time on Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps, Bergman didn’t give his opponent any edge as he comprehensively beat the dual Brownlow Medallist.
Cripps finished with 17 disposals and a goal while Bergman finished with two majors and 25 disposals as he both shut the Carlton gun down while impacting himself offensively.
As a result, Cornes couldn’t have been happier with how the 23-year-old responded after last week’s mistake.
“Miles Bergman was so good last night,” Cornes said on SEN's Fireball.
“I thought it was one of the more embarrassing things that I've ever heard an opposition player say that he was crook and essentially that he was going to have an easy night.
“So, they gave him the job on Cripps. I thought from the first minute of the game, he came off Cripps, got in front of (Charlie) Curnow, did a big spoil, and then I just thought he was terrific.
“I thought his work was great, his spread, his toughness, his ability to really torch Patrick Cripps - who was under the weather - was excellent.”
Thursday’s performance was another strong one amidst a career-best season for Bergman and Cornes thinks that the versatile youngster could achieve big things as he continues to develop.
Cornes compared Bergman to Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson and even tipped him to one day become an All-Australian if he continues on the same trajectory.
“He's Port Adelaide's version of Jordan Dawson, that's how I see him,” Cornes said.
“They clearly kick with a different foot and Dawson's a better kick, but what he gives Port Adelaide is what Dawson gives in versatility.
“He can be an All-Australian. I think that's the level (he can reach).
“He can be an All-Australian worthy player and best and fairest winner, which he hasn't been yet, but he’s having a fine season.
“They’ve offered him nine years… for a player that’s never won a best and fairest or been an All-Australian, it is extraordinary to me, but anyway that's what you have to pay these days.”
Bergman comes out of contract at the end of the 2025 season. Victorian clubs like St Kilda are reportedly chasing the former Sandringham Dragon with big-money deals to return home.
