Dougie Cochrane Biography

Dougie Cochrane's application to join Port Adelaide's Next Generation Academy as an Indigenous player is approved by the AFL.

Dougie's father, Stuart Cochrane, a former player at Port Adelaide and North Melbourne, wrote to the League in the middle of 2024 requesting his sons be given access to Port's Next Generation Academy program as the family explored its Indigenous heritage on his maternal side. Throughout the process the AFL has worked with Port on the steps of the approval while his application has been pending.

2026 draft top prospect Dougie Cochrane will miss the AFL Under-18 National Championships due to a hamstring injury, potentially affecting his chances of being the No. 1 pick next year.

"We just want him to be OK, that's the priority at the moment," said Central talent manager Scott Stevens. "That's our No.1 priority. A timeline on when he'll be back isn't the focus."