Kane Cornes has blasted West Coast over its resolution to re-sign veteran midfielder Elliott Yeo on a recent three-year contract in June final 12 months, describing the transfer as “stupidity” after the 31-year-old final week suffered knee and ankle accidents.
The premiership-winning on-baller will nearly actually miss the beginning of the Eagles’ season after he injured the medial ligament in his proper knee and suffered syndesmosis injury to his proper ankle when he was tackled throughout a coaching session final Friday.
Cornes stated Yeo was a “actual vivid spot” for West Coast within the 2024 season, during which he averaged 22.5 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 6.5 clearances per match.
READ MORE: ‘Delicate’ reason behind star’s surprise Raiders exit
READ MORE: Hurricanes clinch maiden title after star’s record century
READ MORE: Warner’s clue to future plans in classy losing speech
However the Port Adelaide nice argued that by agreeing to a brand new three-year cope with the Yeo camp, the Eagles had repaid the religion in too beneficiant a style.
“West Coast get tipped in as a result of he has two thirds of an excellent season final 12 months earlier than he bought injured late, and reward him with a three-year contract for a 31-year-old,” Cornes stated on SEN radio on Tuesday.
“That is video games performed since 2020 for Elliott Yeo: 10, 12, 5, 10, 20. And West Coast go, ‘ what? As a result of there is a story, that is most likely been leaked by the Yeo camp, that there is curiosity from a Victorian membership, we’ll give him three years at 31’.
“It actually blows my thoughts, the stupidity of golf equipment.”
Elliot Yeo of the West Coast Eagles seems for help in site visitors. Getty
Cornes stated the Eagles wanted to maintain Yeo “on the sting” and in contrast him with livewire ahead Jake Stringer, who on the age of 30 inked a two-year cope with Higher Western Sydney in October final 12 months.
“I do not assume his [Yeo’s] requirements have been that good for a good period of time,” Cornes stated.
“He lastly bought himself proper [in 2024] as a result of he was enjoying for a contract.
“… You are not going to disclaim time, are you? [It would be] nice [to give him a contract] if he is 22; yeah, no worries, have no matter you need. However he does not play and he is 31. His physique’s not going to get higher.”
Elliot Yeo. AFL Photographs through Getty Photographs
Yeo had been coaching at full capability regardless of copping a knock to the attention throughout a latest match simulation, which left him sporting protecting eyewear.
In a membership assertion printed on Monday concerning Yeo’s accidents, footy boss Gavin Bell stated there have been “all the time dangers concerned” with coaching rising in depth.
“We’re working via his rehab program and a return-to-play timeline,” Bell stated.
“At this stage, we’re hopeful he can be accessible within the early a part of the season.”
The Eagles will open their season in a conflict with the Gold Coast Suns in Perth on Sunday, March 16.
