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Kane’s Countdown: The 10 AFL takes that have aged horribly in 2025
SEN • July 10th, 2025 10:56 am
Kane Cornes has listed the 10 takes that he thinks have aged horribly up to Round 18 of the 2025 AFL season.
Cornes, who is perhaps the AFL’s biggest opinion maker, placed himself atop the list for his take on ladder-leaders Collingwood during the pre-season and after Opening Round.
“I’m going to throw myself under the bus for takes that have aged badly,” Cornes said on SEN Sportsday.
Kane’s Countdown – AFL takes that have aged horribly in 2025
In no particular order
Collingwood too old, too slow, won’t play finals (Kane Cornes)
“I didn't have Collingwood making the finals. I am number one on this list.
“Then I clearly said that they were old and slow after Opening Round. They are old, that’s true, but it hasn’t affected their performance. So, it’s aged poorly.”
Carlton will improve in 2025 (Patrick Cripps)
“Number two is Patrick Cripps. He thought in February that the Blues would be stronger in 2025 thanks to the improvement from the club's 21 to 25-year-olds.
“Very optimistic was Patrick. He mentioned Elijah Hollands, Jaxon Binns, Jesse Motlop and Brodie Kemp amongst others as to why Carlton was going to be a much better side this year than they were last year.
“Well, that's aged really poorly. But it’s hard to be too critical because he's pumping up his own club.”
Melbourne’s season is alive (Jon Ralph)
“Number three is Jon Ralph.
“After Round 11, he tweeted, ‘A win for the Demons true believers. Through a season full of off field controversies the stuff on the field has been consistently sensational. Melbourne’s season is alive’.
“Well, it wasn't alive. That one has aged really poorly.”
Port’s coaching handover will ensure stability and long-term success (David Koch)
“At four is David Koch. He was defensive of the criticism of the coaching handover, and he said, ‘We are in a position of strength. This is the best way to ensure continuity, stability, and long-term success’.
“Kochie, that coaching handover was a disaster from the minute you announced it, and it has done nothing to ensure continuity, stability, and short or long-term success.”
St Kilda will take the next step in 2025 (Leigh Montagna)
“In a February 2025 preview, former Saints star and commentator Leigh Montagna expressed strong belief in his Saints.
“He said, ‘I think this is the year they take the next step. The list is balanced, the kids are ready, and Ross Lyon has them humming’. Well, Joey, they're not humming… but, we all get things wrong.”
Carlton will break their premiership hoodoo (Jack Riewoldt)
“Jack Riewoldt had no stats data or anything around this, but he thought a big club in Carlton, was going to win it this year.
“He said, ‘I've got a little sneaky watch on Carlton to break the hoodoo. No stats, no data or anything around this. Just an inkling that a big club is going to break a hoodoo. I’ve just got a little sneaky watch on Carlton’.
“That’s not going to happen.”
Max King could play in Round 1 (Dave Misson)
“At seven is Dave Misson, St Kilda’s EGM of Football.
“He said in February regarding Max King's body after he had some surgery (knee arthroscopy) that, ‘We don't believe this will cause major delays to Max's 2025 campaign, and he'll remain touch and go for Round 1’.
“Touch and go for Round 1… Round 1 in 2026 or in 2025?”
Richmond won’t win a game (Mark Bickley)
“Adelaide legend Mark Bickley predicted that Richmond would fail to win an AFL game in 2025.
“Now there's always someone that gets sucked into that. There's always someone that gets sucked into predicting that a certain team will not win a game. It never happens.”
The North Melbourne Phoenix has risen (David King)
“Kingy's had a huge year, but he's been in fine form, but he just got a little bit excited after the Kangaroos’ Round 2 victory.
“He said, ‘Well, the Kangaroos have arrived. This is the start of the rise, the Phoenix rising’.
“The phoenix hasn't risen. But I also thought they’d be better and be on the improve.”
Melbourne are as united as ‘I’ve ever seen’ (Simon Goodwin)
“At number 10, I could have used the whole list on Simon Goodwin, because the number of times he talked about love and connection throughout the pre-season, was nothing but words.
“He said after the struggles of Melbourne earlier that, ‘They are as united as I've ever seen them’.
“I'm telling you, Melbourne is not united. Just go and watch them play. There'll be players arguing, there are players out of form, there are players who can't run, and there are selfish players.
“Go and watch Collingwood, that's united. The opposite is Melbourne.”
