Kane Cornes has blasted West Coast over its determination to re-sign veteran midfielder Elliott Yeo on a contemporary three-year contract in June final yr, describing the transfer as “stupidity” after the 31-year-old final week suffered knee and ankle accidents.
The premiership-winning on-baller will virtually definitely 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 brilliant spot” for West Coast within the 2024 season, through which he averaged 22.5 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 6.5 clearances per match.
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However the Port Adelaide nice argued that by agreeing to a brand new three-year take care of the Yeo camp, the Eagles had repaid the religion in too beneficiant a vogue.
“West Coast get tipped in as a result of he has two thirds of an excellent season final yr 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, ‘You already know what? As a result of there is a story, that is in all probability been leaked by the Yeo camp, that there is curiosity from a Victorian membership, we will give him three years at 31’.
“It actually blows my thoughts, the stupidity of golf equipment.”
Elliot Yeo of the West Coast Eagles appears for assist 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 take care of Better Western Sydney in October final yr.
“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 would not play and he is 31. His physique’s not going to get higher.”
Elliot Yeo. AFL Pictures by way of 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 carrying protecting eyewear.
In a membership assertion revealed on Monday relating to Yeo’s accidents, footy boss Gavin Bell stated there have been “all the time dangers concerned” with coaching rising in depth.
“We’re working by his rehab program and a return-to-play timeline,” Bell stated.
“At this stage, we’re hopeful he might be obtainable 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.
