WIDELY viewed as one of the two leading pick one contenders coming into 2026, 17 clubs will be ruing Dougie Cochrane‘s ties to Port Adelaide. The 17-year-old was approved for Next Generation Academy (NGA) status in November last year on account of his indigenous heritage.

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Cochrane is a well known quantity in the footballing pathway. He’s the son of Stuart Cochrane, who played 104 games between Port and North Melbourne, while his brother Tom is on the Power’s current list. But Dougie shapes as the best of the lot, and will be fast tracked via the Port Magpies SANFL side.

The athletic 195cm utility already has League experience under his belt having played five games with Central District last year. He missed out on representing his state at Under 18 level due to a hamstring strain, but was the standout of the Under 16 National Championships back in 2024.

Ahead of his top-age campaign, Cochrane is resigned to some early delays as he takes a cautious approach to his knee tendinitis rehab. Nonetheless, he will likely have a key role to play for South Australia and the National Academy, on top of his continued exposure to senior footy.

>> ONES TO WATCH: 26 AFL Draft prospects for 2026

Central District, South AustraliaTall Utility

Dougie Cochrane

Height: 195cm

Weight: -

DOB: 02-05-2008

BY THE NUMBERS:

2025 SANFL League (5 games)
10.2 disposals | 3.8 marks | 2.0 inside 50s | 2.0 goals (10 total)

2025 SANFL Under 18s (8 games)
17.6 disposals | 6.0 marks | 3.8 inside 50s | 1.9 goals (15 total)

ACCOLADES:

2026 AFL Academy member
2025 National Futures selection
2025 SANFL League debut
2025 South Australia U18 squad
2024 Kevin Sheehan Medal
2024 U16 All-Australian
2024 South Australia U16 MVP
2024 SANFL U18 debut & Grand Final
2023 SANFL U16 premiership

STRENGTHS

+ Aerial ability
+ Athleticism
+ Kicking
+ Upside
+ Versatility

Cochrane is as unique a prospect as you’re likely to find. His athletic profile is enviable, possessing high-end speed and agility for a player his size, and a spring-heeled leap to boot. It makes him a nightmare matchup in the front half with his ability to gain separation on the lead, or soar into contested grabs.

That kind of aerial ability translates to sound interceptions when stationed down back, while his mobility will be the key to unlocking more midfield exposure. While likely to be a primary forward, Cochrane is keen to explore his midfield craft and can be relied upon to swing to defence if necessary.

On top of his athletic base, part of what makes Cochrane so effective across every line are his foot skills. He’s a powerful kick, capable of comfortably clearing 50m to either set up attacks, or to attack the goals. His distributive skills lend to becoming a general in defence or effective burst midfielder.

QUESTION MARKS

In the words of South Australian Under 18 coach Tony Bamford, Cochrane is “preparing his body for the demands of elite football”. The best ability is availability, so becoming a reliable and durable player will go a long way to Cochrane’s continual development. Doing so requires an uptake in training standards and conditioning, which will allow him to become a more consistent player overall. Elsewhere, Cochrane can also continue to enhance his midfield craft if that’s an avenue he is keen on chasing. Otherwise, putting on some additional size can’t hurt as he grows into a genuine key position prospect.

OUR SCOUTS SAID…

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“After an unusually quiet first term, the pick one contender ripped the game open in the second quarter with his three high-impact disposals. They were two goal assists then one goal – from a towering mark in the goalsquare – which just reminded people of what he is capable of. Went into defence for the second half and did not have a lot to do, but competed strongly.” – 2025 National U17 Futures game

“The dynamic tall featured as a key connection piece up forward while also roaming through midfield, making an impact with his marking presence around the ground. He seemed untouchable at times and showcased vast improvements in his field kicking with a good combination of weight and direction over long distances.” – 2025 SANFL U18s, Round 2

“An inclusion to the side for just his fourth game at the level, Cochrane’s foot skills were tested but he otherwise showed no signs of being overawed by the occasion. The Under 16 state MVP was posted in defence where he took on an entertaining and athletic matchup on Logan Hughes, but backed himself to peel off and stick some terrific intercept marks.” – 2024 SANFL U18s Grand Final

“Cochrane brought the attack from his key defensive post. He showcased a strong ability to fly for marks and clunked four for the day, but arguably impressed most with his coverage of the ground. At 194cm, he took up aggressive positions outside defensive 50 and provided overlap run, moving with speed and intent on the rebound.” – 2024 AFL U16 National Championships

>> PLAYER FOCUS: Dougie Cochrane (Central District)

THE EXPERTS SAY…

“Big Dougie is a unique player who can play in all three zones of the field. As a top age U16, he showed he can play behind the ball and read the play to get into the best positions to intercept the ball. Last year, he made his SANFL league debut playing as a forward. He is coming off an injury interrupted season last year and is still working on preparing his body for the demands of elite football.” – South Australian U18 coach Tony Bamford

WHERE HE SITS

There is already quite the consensus that Cochrane and Carlton father-son hopeful Cody Walker are this year’s leading prospects, albeit with plenty of football to be played. Cochrane’s upside will put him front of the pack in the eyes of many, being a freak athlete who can play in key positions at either end of the ground, or through midfield. If he can put together a consistent body of work and stay out of the injury ward, there is no reason why he won’t continue to be viewed in that way, costing Port a pretty penny.

Last edition: Cody Walker