Kane Cornes can’t remember a worse situation than what North Melbourne finds themselves in after Jason Horne-Francis’ trade request.
The number one draft pick’s trade request has come less than a fortnight after coach Alastair Clarkson was forced to step away from his role amid the AFL’s investigation into the mistreatment of Indigenous and First Nations players during his time at Hawthorn.
With club president Sonja Hood stating that the club didn’t need a plan B after securing Clarkson, Cornes now says the Kangaroos need plans “C, D, F and E” in the wake of the Horne-Francis news.
“After Alastair Clarkson’s appointment on August 19, she (Sonja Hood) was just about to start the longest victory lap of all-time,” Cornes said on SEN Mornings.
“She tweeted, ‘The face of a woman that doesn’t need a plan B’, well not only do we need a plan B at North Melbourne, we need a plan C, D, F and E.
“The situation at the North Melbourne Football Club, I can’t remember a worse one for any AFL club.
“Largely not all of that responsibility is in on Sonja and North Melbourne, but where to now?”
With CEO Ben Amarfio also resigning last month, Cornes accused the Kangaroos of being rudderless with “one of the worst lists in AFL history”.
“No CEO, no coach, no spokesperson for the football club after Sonja herself has gone really quiet after that victory lap,” Cornes said.
“No recruiters, one of the worst lists in AFL history, two wins at a percentage of 55.
“Now to add further salt into the wound, the number one pick, the only number one pick the club has ever had, Jason Horne-Francis, is walking out just one year in.
“Not only do we need a plan B, but we need a plan C, D, F and E.”
After being perhaps the club’s most vocal spokesperson after Clarkson’s signing, Cornes criticised Hood for “going into hiding” as the only statement the club has made on Horne-Francis has come from list manager Brady Rawlings.
“At the moment it’s all up in the air,” Cornes said.
“You’ve got statements from Brady Rawlings and Sonja Hood is in hiding.
“If you’re going to be there for the good times, you’ve got to be there for the bad times as well would be my thoughts on it.
“There’s no quick fix there.”
The Kangaroos said they will consider Horne-Francis’ request to be traded to the Power.