PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams has praised the three place-getters in the club’s best and fairest award.

Midfielder Kane Cornes won the John Cahill Medal earlier this week, ahead of Domenic Cassisi and Daniel Motlop.

The Port Adelaide coach saved special mention for Cassisi, who was voted off the club’s leadership group two years ago but was reinstated this year

“He was voted off the island if you like, in regards to the leadership role, but he’s come back into it this year and I really think he’s stepped up,” Williams said.

“He won the Fos Williams award, as voted by the players, which really highlights his standing in the playing group and he won it by a record margin,” Williams said.

Williams said Motlop was one of the most exciting players at the club and also one of the most popular.

“Motts has kicked more goals than any other small forward in the AFL and he’s also up there for goal assists. He chases, he tackles, he’s selfless and he’s just a fantastic person,” he said.

“He’s got a great sense of humour and he’s really warmed to the club since coming here.”

Williams said Cornes was a ‘self-made man’ comparing his commitment to football with that of Nathan Buckley.

“He’s as dedicated a person as you’ll ever meet. I know people laughed at me a few years ago when I put Kane on par with Nathan Buckley as the most devoted, professional and single-minded player that I’d ever met in football,” Williams said.

“But I still maintain that and he’s getting his just rewards now.”

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