PUTTING a smile on the face of Kane Cornes hasn’t been the easiest thing to do over the past 12 months, but Port Adelaide’s bright future has the newly crowned John Cahill Medallist grinning from ear-to-ear.

Power young guns Troy Chaplin and Justin Westhoff, and most improved player David Rodan all received awards at the club’s best and fairest ceremony on Saturday night.

Cornes said the impact the club’s younger players were able to have in 2007 suggested there were more exciting times ahead at Alberton.

“To come to training with so many young guys that have not only got games this year, but have made such a big contribution to our footy club has just given me a smile,” he said.

“It makes me feel that I’m playing at such a great footy club with such a great future.”

Coach Mark Williams joked it was almost Cornes’ destiny to win a Port Adelaide best and fairest and after two second and one third placing the 24-year-old was received on stage with a standing ovation.

The Jack Cahill Medal capped off a brilliant season for Kane who, alongside brother Chad, was named in his second All-Australian team and was a valuable contributor in Port Adelaide’s resurgence.

“I remember fighting over Kane at the draft table and saying, ‘Where the hell is he going to play?’,” Williams said.

“He’s not fast, he’s not tall, he’s not this and he’s not that, but he found a way.”

In 2007 the courageous midfielder not only established himself as a premier tagger, but also racked up more possessions than any other player in the competition.

“I hate being asked that question,” the modest Cornes replied, when asked if 2007 was his best-ever season.

“Obviously 2004 was brilliant, but I answer it in the way that it’s been my most enjoyable football-wise, apart from the grand final obviously.”

Off the field, life has been far from enjoyable for Kane and his wife Lucy.

The couple’s son, Eddy Jack, was born with two heart defects and spent most of the year in and out of hospital, where Kane often slept on the floor and on several occasions was unable to train with his teammates.

Cornes shed a tear when talking about his son and what he described as the “unbelievable” support he had received from Lucy, his family and the Port Adelaide Football Club.

“It’s been such a big year and my wife has been unbelievable,” he said.

“No one in this room would know this, but we [Lucy and I] were sitting in intensive care and I have a son who is in pain and I said to Lucy, ‘I can’t get through this,’ and she said, ‘Look Kane, we’ll just take it a minute at a time’.

“That’s sort of been my motto and our motto throughout the year. She’s the strong one and she’s got me here. My little man is the strongest 13-month-old you’re ever likely to meet.

“Footy has been my release. It has given me an outlet to come to training every day, be around guys who make you laugh and have such good times with. Whilst things at home were tough it was always a pleasure to come to the footy club and be around those guys that I really respect and love playing with so much.”

Cornes, who admitted he wanted older brother and eventual runner-up Chad to win the John Cahill Medal, said he was proud of what the club had achieved in 2007.

“It’s a nice feeling, especially for the family, to have the Cornes brothers one-two in what’s been a fantastic year, apart from the last game,’ he said.

“I’m really proud of the club and all my teammates for taking me on a great ride during the season.”