Port Adelaide has secured a significant advantage in the 2026 AFL draft, as the league has granted them access to Dougie Cochrane, a potential No.1 pick. This decision, revealed on Thursday, follows the AFL’s approval of Cochrane’s application to join the Power’s Next Generation Academy (NGA).
The ruling comes after an extensive process involving Cochrane and his family certifying their Indigenous background. The AFL confirmed that both the family and the club met the necessary requirements to include the talented youngster in Port’s Academy.
Background and Family Heritage
Cochrane’s father, Stuart, a former player for both Port Adelaide and North Melbourne, initiated the process in mid-2024. He requested the inclusion of his sons in Port’s NGA program while exploring their Indigenous roots on his maternal side. The AFL collaborated closely with Port Adelaide throughout this period, ensuring all steps were followed for Cochrane’s approval.
Stuart Cochrane’s health issues complicated the process, delaying the confirmation of the family’s Aboriginal descent. However, the Cochrane family successfully traced their heritage to the Ngunawal people, overcoming a generational disconnect from their cultural background.
The Significance of the Decision
This development echoes a similar situation in 2023, when Ryley Sanders underwent a lengthy Indigenous identification process before joining North Melbourne’s NGA. Under previous rules, clubs could not match bids on early picks like Sanders. However, recent changes allow clubs to match bids at any draft stage, enabling Port Adelaide to potentially select Cochrane in 2026.
The AFL plans to tighten its bidding system next year, advising clubs they might need two picks to match a bid. Additional controls based on ladder positions are also expected in the system’s next iteration. Despite these changes, Port Adelaide’s ability to draft Cochrane remains unaffected, positioning them to secure the promising talent.
Cochrane’s Rising Star Potential
Standing at 196cm, Cochrane is an athletic prospect capable of playing across the field, including as a tall defender, midfielder, and forward. He made an impressive senior SANFL debut this year, scoring four goals in the first half. Although a hamstring injury sidelined him from South Australia’s under-18 carnival, he was previously named the best player in the under-16 championships.
Dougie’s older brother, Tom, debuted for Port this season, showcasing exciting potential in his three games. Their father, Stuart, played 50 games for North Melbourne and 54 for Port Adelaide, making his sons ineligible for the father-son rule, further highlighting the importance of the NGA pathway for Dougie.
Looking Ahead
The AFL’s decision to grant Dougie Cochrane NGA status is a strategic win for Port Adelaide, with the young talent already a favorite for the 2026 No.1 draft pick. As the league continues to refine its draft and bidding processes, clubs like Port Adelaide are poised to benefit from nurturing homegrown talent through programs like the NGA.
As the AFL landscape evolves, the focus on Indigenous heritage and the pathways available to young players like Cochrane will continue to shape the future of the sport. The Power’s access to Cochrane not only strengthens their roster but also underscores the importance of cultural connections and heritage in the modern game.
