Kane Cornes has blasted West Coast over its choice 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 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 mentioned Yeo was a “actual vivid 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 cope with 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 a superb season final yr earlier than he acquired injured late, and reward him with a three-year contract for a 31-year-old,” Cornes mentioned 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 recognize 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 truthfully blows my thoughts, the stupidity of golf equipment.”
Elliot Yeo of the West Coast Eagles appears for help in visitors. Getty
Cornes mentioned 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 Better Western Sydney in October final yr.
“I do not suppose his [Yeo’s] requirements have been that good for a good period of time,” Cornes mentioned.
“He lastly acquired 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 Photographs by way of Getty Pictures
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 printed on Monday concerning Yeo’s accidents, footy boss Gavin Bell mentioned 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 mentioned.
“At this stage, we’re hopeful he will likely 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.
