Cornes - frustrated by his club’s up-and-down form and harsh criticism from the general public—complied a video in a bid to inspire the players prior to Saturday's game.
“I felt pretty useless. You feel helpless sitting around being injured when the team is in the situation we were in last week,” Cornes said on Monday.
“I was sick and tired of hearing people outside the club abusing us. Everywhere I looked, people were bagging us, and that kind of fired me up a bit.”
Cornes spent days compiling video highlights of each of the 22 players and setting it to music.
“The video was basically highlights of the best thing the boys have ever done in a game. Who knows if it had any effect on the game … I just felt like I could do something to help the group win on the weekend.”
Cornes, who is renowned for revving the players up in the rooms, was also entrusted with delivering the pre-game talk.
“It was a little bit daunting. 'Choco' [coach Mark Williams] didn’t say anything at all. I said a few words, showed the video and then the boys ran out,” Cornes said.
“I said I was sick of people abusing the club, the players and the coaches, and it was time to take a stand. The boys responded really well.”
Saturday's eight-goal win over the Lions saw Port Adelaide climb back to ninth place on the AFL ladder, with side just outside of the top eight on percentage.
Cornes was hopeful the all-round performance could provide a springboard going into the last eight rounds.
“I was really proud of the boys on the weekend in the way they played and the pressure that they showed,” Cornes said.
“Everyone did their job and played well and that’s what we’re after. It’s all about a bit of confidence with us. Hopefully, we can build on that game. We’ve got a good draw in the next month or so, so who knows where we could end up?”
Cornes is expected to make his return from a knee injury against Melbourne at the MCG this week.
Port Adelaide reported no new injuries from Saturday’s game, but will have to wait until Monday afternoon to learn the fate of Troy Chaplin after the defender was reported for charging courageous young Lion Daniel Rich.
