Kane Cornes Expresses Concerns That Pies’ ‘Retirement Home’ Flag Aspirations May Be in Jeopardy

Kane Cornes has expressed his worries that Collingwood might be heading down the same path as Richmond, with their ageing roster continuing to expand.

The Magpies have implemented a win-at-all-costs strategy in the hopes of securing their second premiership since 2023, maintaining a largely unchanged squad from their championship-winning team two years prior.

However, Cornes fears that this could result in significant consequences, especially considering they traded away their future first-round draft pick to acquire several star players for the 2025 season.

“The most significant story is the Collingwood retirement home and how this scenario will unfold,” Cornes remarked on SEN Radio on Friday.

“There’s a potential for two outcomes, and I honestly have no idea which way it might swing.”

“We could find ourselves saying, ‘Congratulations, you went all-in; it was a bold move that offered you a shot at another flag,’.”

Collingwood secured the services of Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston, alongside former Saint Tim Membrey and Giant Harry Perryman during the trade period, seeking to strengthen an experienced list that merely requires an additional boost to reach the finals again.

Their roster includes numerous seasoned players, notably Scott Pendlebury (37), Jeremy Howe (34), Steele Sidebottom (34), Mason Cox (33), Jamie Elliott (32), Brody Mihocek (32), Tom Mitchell (31), Will Hoskin-Elliott (31), Jack Crisp (30), and Membrey (30).

In addition to the players already over 30, Dan McStay and Darcy Cameron will both turn 30 during the year.

While Cornes acknowledges the Magpies’ aggressive strategy with their current roster, he still harbours concerns.

“Winning two flags in three years would be phenomenal. But if it goes south, this could very well be Richmond Mark II, and they may have to tear it down and start anew,” he commented.

“When you review the drafts since 2014, there haven’t been many players from those drafts still featured in this lineup.

“They’ve gone all in for this season.

“If it works out, congratulations, you’ll be like Richmond, winning a couple of flags, and then you’ll be perfectly content to start fresh again, but it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.”