We've never been better: Cornes

Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes dishes out a handball under pressure from Crows onballer Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

KANE Cornes says Port Adelaide's unbeaten 2013 team is "probably as an exciting group as we've ever had".

In a glowing endorsement of new coach Ken Hinkley and a side which has stunned the football world with its blistering start, Cornes' statement sends a warning to its rivals at what might just lie ahead for the league's third-youngest list.

Cornes played in the Power's historic first premiership team in 2004 and its only other grand final side in 2007.

The 30-year-old says this year's list compares favourably with the two which made grand finals, talent-wise at least.

"The age profiles of those groups was totally different but the club's never been in a better spot," said Cornes, who on Saturday will join Warren Tredrea as the Power's only 250-game players.

"I think if we can continue to develop and everyone strives to do that, then who knows how far we can go?.

"Our draft picks over the past two or three years have been spot-on and their excitement and ability to win contested ball and tackle has been great.

"Right now we've probably got six, seven or eight guys playing well in the SANFL and we haven't had that for a while at this club.

"Certainly our injury list is as good as it's ever been, so the boys know they've got to perform or they won't play."

Cornes said the Power - which won a total of eight games in the previous two seasons - was reaping the reward of some astute recruiting and off-field decisions.

"The club's made some really good off-field decisions," he said.

"Not only with the coach and the support network that he has got around him, but with the fitness staff.

"We punished ourselves during the pre-season and that's given us the ability to be able to compete.

"We've all known that we've had talent but for Burgo (fitness coach Darren Burgess) to come in and get them fit and firing has been important.

"And full credit to the players because they've worked so hard behind closed doors and now they're getting the reward."

Cornes said the sky's the limit for Port this year but that one of the keys to its early success was not looking too far ahead.

"Right from the moment Ken took over he spoke about our behaviours," Cornes said.

"If our behaviours are spot on, who knows how far we can go."

The Power faces another big credibility test against West Coast at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

While the Eagles are struggling at 1-3, they were one of the pre-season favourites to win this year's premiership.

"It's a huge game for us," said Cornes.

"Obviously they've copped a bit this week (after losing at home to Carlton) but they are such a proud club and a club that we've got such respect for.

"They've touched us up the past three times we've played them, their midfield depth is amazing and they've got superstars on every line, so the boys are really looking forward to it."

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