Cornes, 30, is a player fans of opposing teams love to hate.
The dual All-Australian is renowned for his passionate on-field displays and ability to get under the skin of his opponents.
He is often regarded as the barometer of the Port Adelaide side, but admits he went away from his colourful ways last season.
Cornes canned the trash talk last season as he battled to regain form and fitness, but said a good start this season had given him the confidence to get back on the lip.
“Sledging isn’t a main focus going into games and I don’t normally go out of my way to start stuff…but I think when I do it, I play better footy", Cornes said on Thursday.
"When you do that, you have to back that performance up because you can’t be out there bagging people and not putting your head over the ball or playing hard, contested footy yourself.
“Last year, when my confidence was down and my body was sore and tired, it’s not the main thing on your mind. You’re more focussed on getting a kick and getting your body right. It’s a bit of a cop out, but when you’re feeling good it’s easier to do that kind of stuff.”
Cornes ignited the crowd and his teammates at Etihad Stadium last weekend when he celebrated his match-defining goal with a double first pump.
The former vice-captain said all the Port Adelaide players were encouraged to show emotion out on the field.
“When something good happens out there it’s good for all the boys to get around each other. It gets the crowd going and creates a good feeling in the group,” he said.
“I was pretty pumped with that goal because I don’t kick too many anymore. That’s a focus for me to get excited and show some emotion.”
The Power will be hoping they have another reason to celebrate after Sunday’s clash with Carlton at AAMI Stadium.
The in-form Blues have knocked off both of last year’s grand finalists, Geelong and St Kilda, in the last month and also boast a good record against Port Adelaide having won the past three games between the two sides.
Cornes said his side would have to shut down Carlton’s dangerous small forward line to snap their losing streak on Sunday.
“I’m sure the coaches are working out a way to stop those small, tricky forwards. Not only are they small and fast, but they have two key targets as well and some of the names going through their midfield are as good as you’ll find", Cornes said.
Port Adelaide will have to make at least one change to the side that overcame Essendon last weekend, with ex-captain Warren Tredrea set to miss 12 weeks with an ankle injury.
In-form forward Nick Salter has ruined his chances of an AFL recall, after being suspended for a week in Woodville-West Torrens big win over North Adelaide in the SANFL last weekend.
Former Richmond forward Jay Schulz is likely to replace Tredrea in the Power line up.
