Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes has put an end to the speculation about his future, announcing today he will retire from AFL football following his 300th game in a fortnight.

Cornes’ last game will be at home against Richmond on Sunday, 24 May – a farewell celebration that coach Ken Hinkley “insisted” upon.

After speculation about his future throughout the AFL season, the 32-year-old confirmed he would be retiring to pursue a career with the Metropolitan Fire Service.

His send-off game will see him become the first Port Adelaide player to join the AFL’s 300 club.

The four-time club champion, already deciding this would be his last of elite football, applied, and was granted, training with the MFS.

But Cornes must accept his training offer mid-season or risk being overlooked in the future, admitting the decision had been forced on him.

Cornes said in a statement this morning that he had loved his time at Port, but it was time to move on.

“This is a great football club and I’ve had some incredible times at Port Adelaide and can’t thank the club enough for everything it has given me,” Cornes said.

“This is the right time for me to give someone else an opportunity. We’ve got some terrific young players who will now step and make their mark on the game.”

Cornes’ career stretches over 15 seasons, with the highlights including the 2004 premiership, four best and fairest wins and two All-Australian selections.

He thanked coach Ken Hinkley for “helping me work through the process of joining the MFS”.

“I couldn’t have made this decision without his blessing and playing under Ken has been one of the most enjoyable times of my career.”

Cornes was “rested” for Port Adelaide’s clash with North Melbourne in April. He denied at the time that he was planning to retire, despite many commentators noting that the move meant he could play his 300th game at home.

Hinkley said that it was important for Cornes to to be given a “proper farewell”.

“Kane is a champion of the Port Adelaide Football Club who has given so much over his 15-year career,” Hinkley said.

“He is a premiership player, four-time best and fairest and the club’s games record holder – his record really does speak for itself.

“I’ve insisted that he play his 300th game for the Port Adelaide Football Club as he deserves to reach that outstanding milestone.”

– with AAP