Kane Cornes Whacks "Out Of Shape" Elliot Yeo
Cornes didn't hold back on his assessment of the Eagles superstar.
After what can only be described as a disappointing start to the 2022 AFL season, Kane Cornes has sent an almighty wack to one Eagles superstar.
Cornes, speaking on Footy Classified, blasted two-time All-Australian Elliot Yeo for his "lack of impact" during Saturday's 84-point loss to the Power, claiming the West Coast Eagles midfielder is "clearly out of shape".
West Coast were smashed by fellow cellar dweller Port Adelaide on Saturday, only kicking four goals in the 18.9 (117) to 4.9 (33) loss.
Yeo contributed four disposals and three tackles before he was ruled out of the contest with concussion following a head knock in what was another injury for the 28-year-old who has only played 23 games since the start of 2020.
"I'm really conscious of the fact you can't label an AFL player overweight now for the backlash that will come with that, but I was watching Elliot Yeo's performance on the weekend and his lack of impact in the game," Cornes said.
"His standards have slipped at West Coast ... I reckon across the board standards have slipped and he shouldn't playing if he presents like that.
"That could be one of the reasons West Coast are in the position they're in.
"He is always injured. He has to get fitter.
"I think some players can present as full-time athletes, when their body is their one tool, better than they have ... he looked out of shape to me.
"We used to call it 'fat club' (at Port Adelaide) if you're above 60 skin folds. Once you get into the AFL system your body is your only weapon. You have to hold yourself to elite standards."
West Coast is currently sitting 17th on the AFL ladder, claiming just one victory in the opening six rounds.
Four years after winning the premiership, the Eagles are at risk of earning the dreaded wooden spoon - albeit in a season marred by injury and frustrating Covid-19 setbacks.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson said his players must own the club's Covid crisis and move on if they are to salvage a season that is "well and truly slipping away".
"We can't live on that, we've moved on from that, and there will be some residual (effects) from what we went through, but we can't come in every week and say, 'Oh, we've had a tough run'," he said.
"We've got to own it."
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesRyan Rosendale