THE addition of AFL premiership player and 300-gamer, Kane Cornes wasn’t enough to get Moyston-Willaura over the line against Hawkesdale-Macarthur on Saturday.

Cornes suited up for the Pumas at Willaura Recreation Reserve, lining up at half-forward to start the round six clash, wearing his familiar number 18.

It was tough going for Cornes, who went at pick six to the Pumas in the Carlton Draft, with the former AFL player telling The Spectator before the game that there were plenty of nerves ahead of the Mininera and District Football League clash.

“You are a bit anxious, doesn’t matter what level of footy you play, you always have those pre-game nerves and today has been no different,” he said.

“They are good colours, the club gave me number 18 as well, so it should be good.”

Having been on the sidelines for nearly seven years, Cornes said it was good to get out to the grassroots clubs and give back to them through the initiative.

“I retired in 2015 and haven’t played a game since, so to come out here and see the passion of the locals, it is going to be a good day,” he said.

“(I have) no expectations, but have a run around, get a few kicks and hopefully the team goes well.”

Moyston-Willaura Football Netball Club president, Terry Keilar said the club was buzzing in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash.

“I think early April we knew we were in the mix then we didn’t know who we were getting until a couple of weeks ago,” he said.

“It is fantastic to have Cornesy come out here, a real personality within the media and a 300-game veteran for the Port Adelaide Football Club.

“It is just a point of difference in the home and away season, we have supporters of the club who can’t be here all the time, but are making a point of getting here for this game.”

Despite having the last pick in this year’s Carlton Draft, Keilar said to see Cornes put on the same colours he wore during his AFL career offered a nice touch to the day.

“The way it landed, Kane gets to put on his teal, black and white and we have given him number 18 on the back as well,” he said.

“It is about bringing communities together and days like this do that in spades.

“We had our first win last week in about two years, so Kane has a lot to live up to.”

It was a relatively quiet day stats wise for Cornes, with the scoreboard showing a one-sided contest throughout the day.

After the game the AFL veteran signed his playing guernsey and match ball which were auctioned off after the game.

The 40-year-old said after the game he was relieved to get through the game and offer some insight to his teammates at different times.

“On the scoreboard, it was hard, but I thought the guys fought it out really well,” he said.

“It was a great day though to be out here in the community, it has been really enjoyable.”

Having been involved at the elite level for 15 years, he said it was also a highlight to return to the lower level and enjoy the atmosphere in a rural area.

“I don’t know if you ever forget, but you don’t focus on it, then days like today jog your memory a bit.

“I probably haven’t had a day like this since I was 14 or 15, everyone has been so welcoming and I felt part of the team as well.

“I am glad I got through, in terms of not doing a soft tissue injury.

“Physically you are not quite at the level you’d want to be,

“I think this is the last game I will every play, I had no intention of playing again until this opportunity came up

“I am glad I did it, but don’t think I’d do it again.

“Yeah I am definitely retired now, that was the last game.”