Kane Cornes Unveils Top 50 AFL Players for 2025 with Major Shake-ups
In a dramatic reshuffle of elite talent, Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell and electrifying Melbourne forward-midfielder Kysaiah Pickett have catapulted into Kane Cornes' prestigious top-50 AFL players list. Both players were absent from the Channel 7 expert's rankings last year, but after delivering exceptional seasons, they now occupy the impressive positions of No.11 and No.12 respectively.
Rising Stars and Veteran Recognition Highlight the List
Rowell capped off an outstanding All-Australian year by securing the Brownlow Medal and earning the Gold Coast Suns' best-and-fairest award. Similarly, Pickett achieved his first All-Australian selection in 2025 and finished third in Melbourne's best-and-fairest count, showcasing his dynamic skills on the field.
The list also features emerging powerhouse Riley Thilthorpe, who makes his debut appearance at No.16 following a maiden All-Australian season. Cornes praised Thilthorpe, stating, "Thilthorpe and Sam Darcy are the kind of players you'd hand pick to build a team around. He's a big contested mark and coming into his absolute prime. If he had a stronger final series last year, I might have had him even higher, but Adelaide can build a team around him in the next five years."
Not just focused on young talent, the list acknowledges veteran contributions, with Hawthorn's Jack Gunston recognized at No.27 after a sensational season that defied his age. This follows Cornes' nod to 37-year-old Dayne Zorko, who landed at No.47 following an exceptional 2025 performance off half-back.
Notable Slides and Expert Analysis
Meanwhile, highly decorated Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale experienced a significant drop, falling from No.7 last year to No.30. Cornes explained, "Neale's slide is probably due to a bit of injury and a bit of age. He just wasn't able to reach the heights he's achieved previously. His best moments are still very good, but last year he wasn't as consistent as in past seasons."
Sydney Swans star Chad Warner also fell out of the top 10, slipping from No.10 to No.23 after failing to match his 2024 heroics. Cornes noted, "Chad Warner's situation is similar to Jason Horne-Francis, who dropped from 20 to 39. He wasn't as strong as in 2024, partly due to how the Swans use him between midfield and forward roles. But Chad's still a great player, and I'm confident he'll return to the top 10. People love his playing style, and any club would pay good money for him."
Cornes will reveal his top-10 players on Monday and Tuesday during the 6pm 7NEWS broadcast, available for free streaming.
