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Graham Cornes

Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm

Posted on June 15, 2024 at 13:21 pm

Graham Cornes

Personal information

Full name

Graham Studley Cornes OAM

Date of birth

31 March 1948 (age 76)

Place of birth

Melbourne, Victoria

Height

189 cm (6 ft 2 in)

Weight

76 kg (168 lb)

Position(s)

Ruck Rover, Centre half-forward

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1967–82

Glenelg

317 (339)


1979

North Melbourne

5 (10)


1983–84

South Adelaide

47 (42)


Total


369 (391)


Representative team honours

Years

Team

Games (Goals)



South Australia

21 (?)


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


1983–84

South Adelaide

46 (25–21–0)


1985–90

Glenelg

149 (94–54–1)


1986–1999

South Australia

11 (9–2–0)


1991–94

Adelaide

89 (43–45–1)


Total


395 (171–122–2)


Career highlights

SANFL

  • SANFL premiership: 1973

  • 3x Glenelg best and fairest

  • Glenelg Captain: 1978

  • South Adelaide playing coach: 1983–84

  • Nine times Advertiser Team of the Year

  • Glenelg Hall of Fame

Representative

  • Tassie Medal: 1980

  • 2x All-Australian team: 1979, 1980

  • Simpson Medal: 1979

Overall

  • Australian Football Hall of Fame

  • South Australian Football Hall of Fame (inaugural inductee)

Coaching

  • 2x National Football Carnival Championship:
    1988, 1993

  • 2x SANFL premiership: 1985, 1986

  • 2x All-Australian team: 1987, 1988



Graham Cornes, born March 31, 1948, in South Australia, rose to football greatness with a foundation laid by his father, Lloyd, a former SANFL player. He excelled at Glenelg Football Club, scoring 339 goals in 317 games, earning best and fairest honors thrice. Cornes led South Adelaide and guided Glenelg to two premierships. His coaching legacy is rich, winning All-Australian honors in 1987 and 1988 and leading Adelaide to its first finals in 1993. Cornes’ legendary journey in Australian football is proof of his enduring impact on the sport.

Early Life

Graham Cornes’ early life laid the foundation for his remarkable journey in Australian football. Born on March 31, 1948, in South Australia, Cornes grew up with a deep passion for the game. His father, Lloyd, a former SANFL player, played a significant role in instilling a love for football in him from a young age.

Cornes attended Brighton High School, where he honed his skills and showcased exceptional talent on the field. This early exposure to the sport and his family’s influence set him on a path towards a successful football career. Cornes’ formative years were marked by dedication, hard work, and a burning desire to excel in the game he cherished.

Playing Career

Cornes’ exceptional upbringing and early exposure to football paved the way for a distinguished playing career that showcased his dedication and talent on the field.

Playing primarily at Ruck Rover and center half-forward for the Glenelg Football Club in the SANFL from 1967 to 1982, he kicked an impressive 339 goals in 317 club games. Cornes won the club’s best and fairest award three times and represented South Australia 21 times, earning the Tassie Medal in 1980.

His consistent performance and leadership on the field not only made him a champion with Glenelg but also a respected figure in Australian football, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Coaching Career

During his coaching career in Australian football, Graham Cornes demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he guided.

  1. Led South Adelaide as a player-coach in 1983 and 1984.

  2. Coached Glenelg to premierships in 1985 and 1986.

  3. Recognized as an All-Australian coach in 1987 and 1988.

  4. Served as the inaugural senior coach of the Adelaide Football Club in 1991, guiding them to their first finals appearance in 1993.

Cornes’ coaching tenure was marked by success and innovation, showcasing his ability to motivate players and develop winning strategies that resonated with his teams.

Coaching Stats

In his coaching career, notable statistics reveal Graham Cornes’ strategic acumen and leadership impact on various football teams. Cornes served as the playing coach of South Adelaide in 1983 and 1984 before coaching Glenelg in 1985, securing premierships in 1985 and 1986. His coaching prowess earned him the title of All-Australian coach in 1987 and 1988.

In 1991, Cornes made history as the inaugural senior coach of the Adelaide Football Club. His guidance led the Adelaide Crows to their first finals appearance in 1993, showcasing his ability to nurture and elevate teams to success. Cornes’ coaching heritage stands as a reflection of his strategic vision and leadership skills on and off the field.


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