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."

Callum Twomey for AFL.com.au