Kane Cornes is a big fan of Hawthorn youngster Denver Grainger-Barras.
The 19-year-old key defender made his senior debut in Round 15 last year and finished the campaign with five games next to his name after missing a large portion of the season due to a knee injury.
Cornes lavished Grainger-Barras with praise after taking four marks in his debuting outing against GWS in June last year.
“I couldn’t have been any more impressed with him. He plays the Hawthorn way – he’s got future captain written all over him,” the Power champion told SEN Mornings.
“I don’t want to overreact, but he has the attributes to be an absolute star.”
Cornes thinks Grainger-Barras will be the best player to come out of the 2020 National Draft.
The versatile defender was selected by the Hawks with pick No.6 – the club’s first top 10 selection since 2006.
“He’s going to be the best player out of that 2020 National Draft,” Cornes told SEN Mornings.
“He’s mine, I’ve claimed him.”
Grainger-Barras signed a two-year contract extension on Monday, tying him to the Hawks until at least the end of 2024.
Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie was thrilled to see the Swan Districts product put pen to paper on a new deal.
“It's great news for the club and exciting for our fans to have Denver commit for a further two years,” McKenzie said.
“He is one that brings a great energy to the side, will throw himself at every contest, reads the ball well and provides a strong aerial presence down back.
“He has shown a real willingness to compete and absorb as much as he can, and we're confident he'll continue to improve in 2022.”