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Sport Nation
Cornes' top 10 most loved AFL figures
Jaiden Sciberras • May 9th, 2025 5:58 pm
Kane Cornes has listed his top 10 most universally loved figures in the AFL.
From players to commentators and media professionals, Cornes explored the AFL world to collate a top 10 of the most loved and respected members of our great game.
Prior to those who made the cut, Cornes put emphasis on those who only just missed the cut, highlighting Hawthorn great Robert DiPierdomenico and Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson.
“If I had an 11 and a 12, I’d put in Dippa and Johnno," Cornes told SEN's Sportsday.
Other shouts for the top spots included Matthew Richardson, Shane Crawford, Tom Harley, Phil Davis, Lenny Hayes, Jim Stynes, Neale Daniher and Checkers from ‘Marmalade’.
See the top 10 below
10 - George Wardlaw
“You never hear anyone say anything negative about George Wardlaw!
“It’s amazing, and rightly so, I love the way he goes about it.”
9 - Scott Pendlebury
“I’m pretty confident on this. I don’t think he’s got too many detractors if any.
“I never hear anyone say anything about Scott Pendlebury. He is admired, he is loved.
“If you’re an Adelaide supporter, if you’re a Port supporter, you’re happy for Scott Pendlebury.”
8 – Matt Rowell
“Never hear anyone say anything negative about George Wardlaw!
“The only thing is probably me, when I questioned is he going to be able to win his football in different areas.
“In terms of his character, the way he plays, we’re all barracking for Matty Rowell.”
7 – Tom Liberatore
“Everyone loves Libba, and he does things a little bit differently.
“He is universally loved.”
6 – Max Gawn
“The way he carries himself, the captain he’s been, the best ruckman we’ve ever seen.”
5 – Marcus Bontempelli
“Apart from Bailey Smith, I don’t think anyone ever sees anything wrong with Bont and rightly so.”
4 – Billy Brownless
“You ever hear anyone say anything about Billy Brownless?
“Everyone loves Billy! What a ripper, certainly one of the best people I’ve ever worked with.”
3 – Craig McRae
“He’s almost too perfect isn’t he.
“If there’s any criticism, maybe he’s too perfect?
“As a coach and as a person, he hardly puts a word out of place.”
2 – Chris Fagan
“Everyone loves Fages.
“His record over the last six and a half years, is something like 81 per cent win-loss. Miles ahead of the next.
“I’m glad about that.”
1 – Bruce McAvaney
“Never heard anyone say a bad word about Bruce.”
