Port Adelaide has received a monumental 2026 draft boost, reportedly being granted Next Generation Academy access to the potential no.1 pick.
According to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey, clubs were informed on Thursday that the Power would have priority access to young star Dougie Cochrane.
Questions regarding Cochrane’s draft status heading into next year — with he and his family exploring their Indigenous heritage — have now been answered, with it being revealed the 17-year-old’s application to be part of Port Adelaide’s NGA has been approved.
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The application is said to have seen Cochrane’s family provide confirmation of Aboriginal descent certificate.
Cochrane, a 196-centimetre utility, is the son of former Power player Stuart, while his older brother, Tom, has been on Port Adelaide’s list since last year.
The draft boon means the Power will have the ability to match a contending bid for Cochrane at any point in next year’s intake, with the club likely to need to spend premium picks to ensure the highly-touted talent makes his way to Alberton.
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The leading 2026 draft prospect has already made an impact against senior bodies, playing five SANFL games this year for Central District.
He booted a game-high four goals in a Round 16 win over North Adelaide, and he kicked at least two goals in three of his five appearances including in a final against Norwood.
Cochrane was also a standout for the Bulldogs at under-18 level, alternating as a focal point in attack and as a towering midfielder for averages of 17.6 disposals, 6.0 marks, 3.8 inside-50s and 1.9 goals per game in eight outings.
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