2026 AFL Draft | Race to #1: Dougie Cochrane
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. >> SCROLL for player highlights Cochrane is a well known […]
Preseason Q&A: Ethan Matthews (Giants Academy)
AMONG another strong crop of club-tied talent this year is Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Academy standout Ethan Matthews. The smooth-moving defender is hoping to earn more midfield minutes as a top-ager, bringing Allies exposure and five games of VFL experience into season 2026. We sat down for an interview with Matthews at the Giants Academy’s […]
2026 AFL Draft | Race to #1: Cody Walker
FOR FANS of AFL clubs starved of on-field success, draft and trade wins often provide beacons of hope. Nostalgia helps too, and that’s exactly what the emergence of father-son gun Cody Walker is providing Carlton fans. >> SCROLL for player highlights The son of 202-game former Blue Andrew last year declared his intentions to pursue […]
TOP 5s | 2026 Tasmanian Preseason Testing
THE BUDDING class of 2027 is shaping up nicely for Tasmania, if the recent preseason testing combine is anything to go by. Several 2009-born prospects produced top-five results across the event held in Hobart, headlined by dual-podium finisher Benjamin Russell. >> SCROLL to see the Top 5s for each test Lauderdale’s Russell exhibited his elite […]
TOP 5s | 2026 South Australian Preseason Testing
A BUNCH of South Australian state academy members have impressed at the recent preseason testing combine, as several prospects featured across the leaderboards. Though, it was Eagles top-ager Hunter Rowe who stole the show with a high of three top-five finishes out of the handful of events. >> SCROLL to see the Top 5s for […]
TOP 5s | 2026 NSW/ACT Preseason Testing
JUNIOR athletics star Mason McGroder has showed out at the recent Swans Academy preseason combine, achieving three top five finishes. A long jump bronze medalist at the 2024 U20 World Championships, it was no surprise to see the top-ager top the running vertical jump leaderboard. >> SCROLL to see the Top 5s for each test […]
TOP 5s | 2026 Queensland Preseason Testing
BRISBANE Lions Academy prospect Jethro Grills had a day out at the recent Queensland preseason testing combine, achieving top-five results in every event. What’s more, the 176cm top-ager finished first on the leaderboard in four of those tests to showcase his all-round athleticism. >> SCROLL to see the Top 5s for each test Grills notched […]
TOP 5s | 2026 West Australian Boys Preseason Testing
WESTERN Australia’s speedsters showed out at the recent preseason testing combine, with state squad member Finlay Yeo setting a new AFL agility test record. The East Fremantle and Dockers Next Generation Academy (NGA) member stopped the clock at 7.642 seconds to break new ground ahead of his top-age season. >> SCROLL to see the Top […]
Preseason Q&A: George Gale (Claremont)
CLAREMONT heads into 2026 on the back of a third-consecutive WAFL Colts flag, still possessing a wealth of exciting prospects. Among them is stylish outside utility George Gale. The wingman/defender averaged 20.1 disposals and 5.3 marks per game in last year’s premiership side, utilising his sharp foot skills and composed decision making along the way. […]
Preseason Q&A: Kale Matthews-Hampton (Sturt)
IF YOU thought the footballing world was beginning to move past the fabled ‘basketball background’, think again. Kale Matthews-Hampton is the latest prospect on said production line, currently in the midst of his first full preseason having made the decision to put a promising basketball career behind him. The 187cm defender was part of Sturt’s […]
