STRENGTHS:

+ Endurance
+ Intercept marking
+ Mobility
+ Rebounding
+ Versatility
+ Vertical leap

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Kicking on the run

Cochran's upside is easily observed through his athleticism and versatility. At 194cm, he is well versed at impacting aerially and registered a top-10 running vertical jump (87cm) at the National Draft Combine. Even more impressively, he ran fastest in the 2km time trial (6:05) on a windy Melbourne day, and presents as a mobile type in the way he attacks with ball in hand.

While he has settled in defence this year, mostly to help harness his strengths, Cochran is capable of playing in each third of the ground. He was an effective chop-out ruckman during last year's Under 16 National Championships and has some experience as a forward - perhaps most notably in the 2023 National Futures match. With that kind of profile, there are few limits to his potential.

Testing well is one thing, but Cochran also translates his results on-field. He is a terrific intercept marker, able to arrive at the contest and pluck overhead marks at the top of his reach. His endurance base is outstanding and aids his rebound work. Despite his categorisation as a tall, Cochran is not afraid to carry the ball and overlaps with frequency, often chaining possessions through the corridor in repeat spurts.

That element of his game is also brings to light a key improvement area. As outlined by the man himself during preseason, he can definitely sharpen up his kicking on the run. While neat during slow play and able to use the ball on both sides, he can be erratic at times and that is most evident when moving at speed. With a bit more composure in his approach, and technical tweaks, his execution as a rebounder will be all the more effective.

Cochran looks to a pair of current Swans for inspiration. He enjoys the way Nick Blakey takes the game on with his leg speed and kicking, but is also a fan of Tom McCartin's ability to lock down on opponents. The Sydney supporter currently plays more like the former than the latter, so can continue to work on his defensive craft and pushing from contest to contest with more intensity.