Kane Cornes has jumped to the defence of Geelong skipper Joel Selwood amidst heavy criticism following a pair of fineable offences that occurred over the weekend.ย 

The incidents in question were a shoving motion to the face of Bailey Dale, in addition to stepping on the leg of Taylor Duryea.

While Selwood managed to escape suspension, his conduct cost him $3000 in fines as well as having his integrity called into question all week.

This is when Cornes chimed in on SEN SA Breakfastย to Selwood's aid.

โ€œI think he's been one of the more inspirational leaders that the game has ever seen. I've got him right up there in terms of the great captains ever,โ€ he said.

"I would have loved to have played for Joel Selwood."

While the triple premiership star has had an illustrious career, he does have a history of careless acts.

Earlier this year Selwood was again scrutinised for a dangerous tackle to a stationary Lions youngster Tom Berry.ย 

Cornes raised awareness to Selwoodโ€™s all-time great status by praising his elite winning percentage and gritty work rate.

โ€œSeven out of 10 Mondays, he walks into the Geelong facility a winner,โ€ Cornes added.

โ€œFor those saying that he milks free kicks, he's had more tackles than any player in history.โ€ย 

Selwood boasts a record of 236 wins from 323 games and also holds an AFL record total of 1659 tackles, which is 30 more than second placed Matt Priddis and 77 more than active second Scott Pendlebury.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 14: Joel Selwood of the Cats runs with the ball next to teammate Patrick Dangerfield during the round 21 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 14, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Cornes advocated for Selwood to be a bit more considerate and exercise a basic degree of common sense.

"Get your hands away from the face,โ€ Cornes said.

"Across 16 seasons and 323 games, the umpires give him a free kick, so what? He has been smart enough to find a loophole in the rules where he's got a technique that allows him to win more free kicks than anyone.

"Would I have done that if I could have? Absolutely I would have."

Cornes ultimately ended his praise for the Geelong skipper by endorsing his wider impact on the game.

"I think he's been a terrific ambassador for the sport," Cornes concludes.

With another top four clash against the Brisbane Lions this week, Selwood will likely remain under the microscope despite Cornes' call to action.