Nathan Brown has firmly dismissed reports of a feud with former colleague Kane Cornes, describing the notion as baseless. The AFL champions, who co-hosted Channel 9's The Sunday Footy Show for several years, have been the subject of speculation after Cornes moved to Channel 7 last year. While Cornes' strained relationship with fellow panellist Damian Barrett is well known, rumors of a rift with Brown emerged in recent weeks.
Brown Sets the Record Straight on Triple M
Speaking on Triple M's Friday Huddle, Brown stated unequivocally, "There is no feud at all." The comments came after an awkward lift encounter following Geelong's defeat to Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night, which Barrett claimed brought tensions to a head. Barrett recounted the moment, saying, "Post-match last night at GMHBA Stadium, there was a very awkward/tense/frosty moment involving your good self."
The Awkward Lift Ride
Barrett explained that Brown walked out alongside Triple M colleagues Isaac Smith and Dale Thomas and encountered Cornes and Fox Footy's David King at the lift. Smith added, "I was unaware of this until I got in here today. Being the person I am, I was just chatting away to everyone, having a little bit of fun and, unbeknownst to me, there was a fair bit of darn tension in that lift and no one could hit the right button, and when you get stuck on the wrong floor in that lift at GMHBA Stadium, it just takes a fair bit longer to get down." Smith noted that attempts to discuss the game or common interests were met with silence. "It was a very quiet lift ride," he said.
Brown's Response: Silence Is Golden
Brown acknowledged the quietness but insisted it was not indicative of a feud. "Sometimes silence is golden," he said. "And I can do awkward better than anybody, so I was comfortable to stand in that lift and not say a word at all, because not every thought in your head needs a microphone." He added, "I did not say one word, (but) I don't speak a lot either. I'd just got out 45,000 words calling the football with Daisy, so I was just having a bit of a rest." Brown emphasized, "And it's not a feud. That would indicate two or more people fighting. It's not a feud."
Barrett's Prodding and Brown's Deflection
Despite Barrett's continued prodding, Brown remained resolute. "He goes me every week — have you heard me respond at all? No, I don't. It's no feud," he said. "There is no feud, because that means that two of us would be feuding or fighting, which we're not."
Past Boxing Bout Recalled
Brown also referenced their 2024 exhibition boxing bout at Gather Round, which took place while they were still colleagues at Nine. "Only two years ago we got in the ring, which was not really a feud, because when somebody says, 'Please don't knock me out, I'm struggling, can you look after me', that's an annihilation. It's not a feud, OK? Just get that out of your head," Brown said.
