Kane Cornes has released the first instalment of his top-50 AFL players list, with Geelong star Bailey Smith placed at No. 42 despite a standout 2025 season. Smith returned from an ACL injury to earn All-Australian honours, finish third in the Brownlow Medal with 29 votes, and become runner-up in Geelong’s best-and-fairest. However, Cornes believes there are more damaging midfielders ahead of him, including Jaspa Fletcher (38), Josh Dunkley (34), Andrew Brayshaw (32), and Dylan Moore (31).
Cornes acknowledged Smith’s gut-running and style of play but insisted that top 40 is still a strong achievement. “You could make the case he should be higher,” Cornes told 7NEWS.com.au. “But I just think there are more damaging mids in the top 50.”
Jason Horne-Francis has dropped from No. 20 last year to No. 39 in the latest rankings. Cornes attributed the slide to inconsistency, injury, and Port Adelaide’s use of him forward, which limits his midfield time. “He just hasn’t done it consistently enough,” Cornes said.
Aaron Naughton also features in the top 50, despite Cornes’ past criticism of the Bulldogs forward for inconsistent output. Naughton kicked 60 goals in 2025, trailing Ben King, Jack Gunston, and Jeremy Cameron. Cornes will reveal his top 10 players on Monday and Tuesday during 7NEWS at 6pm.
