CHAD CORNES will become Port Adelaide’s SANFL coach from 2016.

The 2004 AFL premiership player and cult figure returns to Alberton having spent the last four seasons at Greater Western Sydney as a player and coach.

He will become the 39th coach of the club in state level football after working most recently as the Giants’ backline coach.

Cornes will fill the seat vacated by Garry Hocking at the end of the 2015 season, with Hocking to re-join Ken Hinkley’s AFL coaching panel next year.

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“I’m really excited to be returning to the club I love,” Cornes told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“Port Adelaide has such passion from the coaches to the players and their fantastic loyal supporters.

“It’s a big challenge coaching my own team and I look forward to driving this group to keep improving.”

Cornes's knowledge of the club is something that will hold him in good stead for helming the Magpies in the 2016 season.

He played the majority of his career under Mark Williams - son of legendary Port coach Fos - and twice wore the club's heritage black and white jumper.

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Port Adelaide's general manager of football Chis Davies told portadelaidefc.com.au Cornes will be passed the baton of leading a playing group that has made consecutive finals appearances in the last two seasons.

“He has a great knowledge of what the is about having been a Port Adelaide player for over a decade," Davies said.

“We look forward to Chad challenging the playing group and driving them to become a force in the SANFL.”

This is the second coaching appointment made by Port Adelaide in the last week, with Nathan Bassett revealed as an addition to the Port senior coaching panel last week.

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Chad Cornes career bio

Playing Career

AFL Games: 255 (239 Port Adelaide, 16 GWS Giants)

AFL Goals: 179 (175 Port Adelaide, 4 GWS Giants)

SANFL Games: 43 (at Glenelg)

SANFL Goals: 46 (at Glenelg)

Recruited to Port Adelaide, Pick No. 9, 1997 National Draft (from Glenelg)

AFL Premiership player (2004)

AFL pre-season premiership player (2001, 2002)

All-Australian (2004, 2007)

John Cahill Medal – second place (2007)

Port Adelaide best finals player (2005)

Most improved (2002)

AFL Player Life Member (2006)

AFL 200 Club (2006)

International Rules series (2002 – 1 game)

Coaching Career

2012- July 2013: Playing Assistant Coach (GWS Giants)

July 2013-2015: Backline Coach (GWS Giants)

http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/2015-09-19/schulz-stays-with-port