Kane Cornes outlines major flaw in Isaac Heeney’s AFL Grand Final excuse as footy great gives his theory on Sydney superstar’s pitiful performance

Kane Cornes has refused to believe Isaac Heeney’s ‘excuse’ for a stress fracture after his dismal performance in the AFL Grand Final.

Heeney, who had been tipped for the Brownlow Medal before his suspension ruled him out of contention, failed to perform for the Swans as they were defeated by Brisbane in a 60-point demolition at the MCG.

He came off the pitch midway through the final quarter and Sydney coach John Longmire revealed after the match that his star man was struggling with a stress fracture to his ankle before the finals series.

But Cornes has debunked that claim, pointing to Heeney’s 11-touch performance in their defeat to Geelong in 2022 to suggest the midfielder is not preparing well enough for the big games.

“He was the most popular player in football coming into this match… he walked on water in the qualifying final,” Cornes said.

“In the preliminary final, Port Adelaide had no answers – he was a man possessed.

“To show up and not give the performance he had all year.”

John Longmire claimed Heeney suffered a stress fracture during the big match

But Kane Cornes has theorized that Heeney lacks sufficient preparation for big matches

Referring to the excuse for the stress fracture, Cornes said: “Yes, there was no stress reaction in his tibia in the prelim final or qualifying final, so don’t give me any excuse for injuries,” Cornes continued.

’11 removal feat in 2022, barely came close yesterday and no impact. I just don’t want any excuses for injuries.

‘Isaac needs to look at his preparation for the big games, and why he is failing again this year as the best player in football, but not on the biggest stage.’