STRENGTHS:

+ Contested ball
+ Overhead marking
+ Stoppage craft
+ Kick penetration

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Kick consistency
- Transitional running

Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Zane Cochrane was pegged as an emerging prospect during preseason and did enough during season proper to warrant a state draft combine invite. The 187cm contested bull regularly imposed himself at the contest with his size and stoppage nous, playing his best games when getting stuck in going both ways.

Cochrane's points of difference come with his kick penetration and ability to take strong overhead marks. He's also a reliable set shot goalkicker. Improvement will come, though, once he can sharpen up his field kicking and add composure to his disposal coming away from the contest. He could also find more outside ball by running harder on the spread and building his tank.

It is fair to say Cochrane has had to come from a long way back this year to put his name into the draft conversation. After making his Oakleigh Chargers debut in 2022, he managed only two appearances last year before upping that to 10 as a top-ager. He missed out on Vic Metro selection given the squad's midfield depth, but made every post a winner otherwise.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS: