Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes believes former Sacred Heart schoolmate Matthew Pavlich is one of the greatest players he has played with.

The 32-year old spoke to FIVEaa about moments from his 298-game career after he announced his retirement on Wednesday.

One moment came from his school years at Sacred Heart College in Adelaide when the prolific tagger was receiving a taste of his own medicine, after being roughed up by a player in the goal square.

The whole school was watching this mid-week game that saw Matthew Pavlich waltz from centre-half forward and give the culprit a massive chest bump.

Apparently not another hand was laid on Cornes for the rest of the day due to the leadership and massive frame of this year 12 student.

The four-time Port Adelaide best and fairest winner went on to sing his praises for the Fremantle great.

“Pavlich was the best player that I’ve ever player with junior footy wise,” Cornes said.

“I’m really proud of what he’s been able to do.

“As well as a lot of other people from Sacred Heart.”

The college is known for its football and has produced a number of AFL talent over the years, including Kane’s brother Chad, teammate Hamish Hartlett and current Geelong players Andrew Mackie and Cory Gregson.