Kane Cornes Predicts Jed Walter as AFL's Next Million-Dollar Forward
Out-of-contract Gold Coast Suns forward Jed Walter has been labelled the AFL's next million-dollar forward by expert Kane Cornes. This bold declaration comes amid ongoing speculation about Walter's future, with West Coast among several clubs reportedly interested in securing the young talent.
Contract Uncertainty and Club Interest
Walter, who was drafted with pick No. 3 in 2023, has not yet signed an extension beyond his initial contract. The 20-year-old has found himself out of favour with Suns coach Damien Hardwick, failing to break into the senior side in 2026. He has not played since round 19 last year, missing last year's finals series and being suspended for the season opener due to a pre-season incident.
Despite kicking 29 goals in 30 AFL games, Walter faces competition within the Suns' forward line. Spearhead Ben King remains unsigned and is a free agent, while former Western Bulldog Jamarra Ugle-Hagan joined the club on a one-year deal.
Cornes' High Praise and Financial Prediction
Cornes drew a striking comparison between Walter and West Coast's all-time leading spearhead Josh Kennedy, suggesting the young forward could command massive offers from rival clubs. "If you are looking at a key forward, go and give Jed Walter $1.2 million right now," Cornes told SEN radio.
He elaborated on potential suitors, stating, "Ben King is going to get the offers. I look at Port Adelaide, if (Zak) Butters goes, go and give Jed Walter an offer he cannot say no to. He is Josh Kennedy from West Coast all over again. That's what he is going to be, and he can't get a game."
Cornes emphasized Walter's contract situation and positional competition, noting, "He's out of contract, he's going to look and there's two in front of him already, Jamarra (Ugle-Hagan) is still there... I'd be offering ridiculous money to go and get him."
Walter's Background and Recent Form
Walter has strong ties to Western Australia, having grown up in South Perth before his family moved to Queensland when he was eight. He previously expressed his lifelong support for West Coast, telling The West Australian before his draft, "I have always loved West Coast. I have been a hardcore West Coast fan growing up."
He credited his family's influence, adding, "My Mum, my Nan and my Pop have always supported West Coast, and I jumped on them because the family did." Walter models his game on Carlton forward Charlie Curnow but admired Nic Naitanui and Josh Kennedy during his youth.
In the Suns' VFL season opening loss to Werribee, Walter managed one goal from 13 disposals, highlighting his ongoing development at the lower level.
