Kane Cornes Advocates for Public Disclosure of AFL Player Salaries as Lions Pursue Star Eagle

Kane Cornes is urging the AFL to disclose player salaries as Brisbane pursues a star from West Coast.

The Lions are making a concerted effort to sign key forward Oscar Allen from West Coast.

Reports suggest that they have already had discussions with the 25-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the current season.

Allen is being discussed as a viable replacement for the retired premiership player Joe Daniher, who called time on his career after the 2024 grand final.

However, Port Adelaide legend Cornes is sceptical about how the reigning champions could accommodate an accomplished key position player like Allen within their salary cap.

“How does Brisbane intend to fit Oscar Allen into their salary cap?” Cornes questioned during his show on SEN radio.

“This uncertainty around player wages is precisely what frustrates me; the doubt concerning a potential deal for Oscar Allen makes it hard to understand how they could accommodate him within their salary cap,” he continued.

The AFL’s total player payments – more commonly known as the salary cap – is set at $17.76 million in 2025, which reflects an almost $2 million increase from 2024.

Brisbane’s interest in adding Allen, who has scored 139 goals in just 93 matches, has stirred excitement among the Lions’ midfielders.

“I would love to see this come to fruition,” said Jarrod Berry about the prospective signing.

“He is a superstar and possesses excellent leadership qualities based on what I’ve heard and seen.”

Berry acknowledged the challenge of filling the gap left by Daniher.

“There’s a significant void where Joey was, but I am confident in our development and the natural growth within our squad that we can adapt accordingly,” he stated.

“It’s about sharing the load — we are well aware of that, and it’s part of what our club values.”

“Joe was a unique talent; you don’t often come across players of his calibre in your career.”

Berry also praised the emerging talents in their ranks, including Sam Day and young star Logan Morris, who are both working hard to secure a spot in the best 22.

“All of them have impressed me. Sammy Day, who came over from Gold Coast and has had his share of injury setbacks, is now starting to complete an uninterrupted pre-season. He’s performing exceptionally well,” Berry noted.

“Logan is progressing remarkably. He demonstrates excellent leadership, and I believe he will make another leap forward this year.”

The Lions will commence their 2025 campaign by taking on Geelong in the Opening Round.