Kane Cornes crowned AFL’s best media performer as Channel 7 claims wins big at Australian Football Media Awards

The Seven Network has once again cemented its position as the Home of Footy, with Kane Cornes claiming the prestigious Alf Brown Award at the Australian Football Media Awards for the second straight year among multiple honours for Channel 7 stars.

Announced tonight at the annual ceremony at Marvel Stadium, the Alf Brown Award is presented to the best overall media performer in Australian football and is widely regarded as the highest individual honour in AFL media, determined by an independent panel of AFMA judges.

Cornes, co-host of The Agenda Setters and a 7AFL expert commentator, also claimed the Lou Richards Medal for the second consecutive year.

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Named after the iconic Collingwood great, the honour is awarded to a former or current league footballer now working in the media and recognises the qualities displayed by the late Lou Richards, including personality, use of language and humour, as well as care for and knowledge of the game.

“To be presented with both the Lou Richards Medal and Alf Brown Award in a room alongside my peers is a true honour,” Cornes said.

“One of the biggest reasons I came to Seven was the opportunity to call the footy on TV. The move gave me a chance to challenge myself in a new environment.

“I can’t thank Chris Jones, Gary O’Keeffe and our Thursday Night Footy producer Dan Edwards enough for working with me to make that happen. Being part of the Seven team and sharing the footy with viewers every week has been genuinely rewarding, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done on The Agenda Setters. Every week, our team genuinely sets the agenda. That comes down to the dedication and creativity of John Clark, Jacqui Reed, Lucas Shearer in production, and our on-air team Craig Hutchison, Caroline Wilson, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas and Mitch Cleary. It’s a real privilege to be part of such a professional and passionate group.”

Cleary, 7NEWS’ chief football reporter, won the AFMA for Best News or Feature Reporting by an Individual following a 12 months in which he broke the news of Joe Daniher’s retirement before the 2024 grand final, the GWS Giants’ ill-fated Wacky Wednesday party and Noah Balta’s arrest among others.

Channel 7 football commentators Mitch Cleary, Kane Cornes and Hamish McLachlan. Credit: Getty

Cleary was also recognised with a commendable mention for the Alf Brown Award for overall best media performer.

Claiming the award for Best Innovation was 7AFL Kids Call, which debuted on 7plus Sport in Round 15.

Fronted by Ned Bolton, Indie Axup and Alex Kouts, alongside seasoned callers in Jack Heverin, Alister Nicholson and a group of current and former players, 7AFL Kids Call was developed to target new, younger audiences on 7plus Sport.

The third instalment of 7AFL Kids Call for the Round 22 Hawthorn v Collingwood match saw a 119 per cent increase in viewership on 7plus Sport, more than doubling the second edition between Collingwood and Fremantle in Round 19.

“On behalf of everyone at Seven, I am rapt to congratulate Kane, Mitch and our 7AFL Kids Call team, for their richly deserved recognition at this year’s AFMAs,” Seven Network director of sport Chris Jones said.

“In a year that has seen so many significant stories emerge, it is particularly gratifying to see Kane Cornes and 7NEWS Chief Football Reporter Mitch Cleary recognised for their outstanding work. This acknowledgement is both well-deserved and a testament to their dedication and professionalism.

“By seamlessly integrating the 7NEWS team into our AFL coverage each week, we’ve been able to deliver timely breaking news during matches while enhancing the overall viewing experience. The coverage has been more engaging and entertaining for fans, and it’s only going to get better as we head into the preliminary finals and the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

“The 7AFL Kids Call was an innovation led by our Head of Digital Sport, Kirsty Bradmore, and brought to life by Seven’s outstanding production team. From discovering three remarkable young talents in Indie, Ned, and Alex, to the flawless execution and graphics, our small but mighty team delivered in every way and could not be more deserving of this recognition.

“The awards are recognition of an incredible season from the 7AFL team. Gary O’Keeffe our Head of AFL and Sport Innovation, has been the agent for change this season and helped execute our seven-day of the week AFL strategy. We wish his team the best of luck for what promises to be the most brilliant end to the men’s season, live and free on Seven and 7plus.”

7NEWS Melbourne news director Chris Salter praised Cleary.

“Mitch Cleary is one of football’s most prolific news breakers,” he said.

“When Mitch says it, you know it’s right. His fair and balanced reports have earnt him widespread respect both within and outside the Australian football industry.

“As we get closer to the final day of an incredible season, we congratulate Mitch and Kane, alongside Rebecca Maddern, Xander McGuire, Theo Doropoulos, Kate Massey and Caroline Wilson, who form a formidable 7NEWS Melbourne sport team.”