PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Kane Cornes has taken home his third John Cahill medal as Power best-and-fairest at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.
Cornes led the count from round seven onwards, edging out defensive pair Troy Chaplin and Alipate Carlile to secure the club’s highest individual honour.
It was the super consistent onballer’s third B&F win in four years and his seventh consecutive top-three finish.
The 27-year-old faced heavy scrutiny earlier this season, with critics questioning his place in the Power team.
Cornes said his third crown was proof of his unwavering self-belief.
“I’ve had my critics over the years and there were some strong ones at the start of this year, but for me to be standing up here tonight proves that I have belief in my own ability,” Cornes said on Saturday night.
“The coaching staff really backed me in and stood by me. They helped me put that [criticism] out of my head when it was playing on my mind a little bit.”
Cornes is only the second Port Adelaide player behind retired champion Warren Tredrea (four) to win multiple John Cahill medals.
The dual All Australian said he was proud to have his name on the honour board alongside a player of the ilk of Tredrea.
“It’s pretty amazing for someone who probably doesn’t have great athletic ability, great speed or skills or anything like that to win three best-and-fairest awards. I guess it shows that with a bit of hard work and dedication anyone out there can succeed,” Cornes said.
“It’s something I’ll look back on when I finish with great pride.”
Cornes also paid tribute to Chaplin and Carlile.
Chaplin, who finished nine votes behind Cornes, endured a tough season off the field after losing stillborn son Archie in June.
Carlile’s personal battle related to on the field, with the promising full-back playing out the season with a stress fracture in his leg.
Cornes said both deserved credit for their career-best seasons.
“Both Bobby [Carlile] and Chappy have had great years,” he said.
“Chappy is really unlucky not to be accepting this award tonight. He missed two games and only just came in second. For what he and [his wife] Lisa have been through this year…it’s been amazing the way he’s handled it.”
Other award winners on the night were Jackson Trengove, who took home the Gavin Wanganeen medal, and Cameron Hitchcock, who was adjudged the best first-year player.
Defender Paul Stewart was recognised for his breakout season, with the Power’s most improved player award and Dom Cassisi took out the Fos Williams medal.
2010 John Cahill Medal top 10
1. Kane Cornes
2. Troy Chaplin
3. Alipate Carlile
4. Travis Boak
5. Danyle Pearce
6. Domenic Cassisi
7. Dean Brogan
8. Justin Westhoff
9. Tom Logan
10. Brett Ebert and Jay Schulz
