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DOUGIE\u2019S \u2018GLIMPSE\u2019 \u2026 AND WALKER\u2019S \u2018F1 CAR\u2019 STYLE TRAIT<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve consistently been rated as the top two prospects in this year\u2019s draft class.<\/p>\n
And on the weekend, club-tied stars Dougie Cochrane and Cody Walker proved why with strong displays at state league level.<\/p>\n
It was a particularly pleasing outcome for Port Adelaide and Cochrane, who played well in just his second game of the year after being sidelined due to a knee issue.<\/p>\n
Port Adelaide has unleashed Cochrane at SANFL league level across the past two weeks after closely managing his rehabilitation and return to play timeline.<\/p>\n
After a six-disposal performance against Norwood on return, Cochrane stuffed the stat sheet in a losing cause against West Adelaide on Sunday. Playing behind the ball, he finished with a team-high 30 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 10 intercepts, 10 rebound 50s, six marks and six tackles.<\/p>\n
On a tough day from a weather and result perspective, Port SANFL coach Jacob Surjan said Cochrane was \u201cone of the shining lights\u201d for his team.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday was a little glimpse of what Dougie can do,\u201d Surjan said post-match.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s still a few little things in his game that we need to improve, but if that\u2019s what he\u2019s doing in his second game after a long stint out, it\u2019s pretty positive for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
A tantalising, athletic and well-rounded utility, Cochrane has a high footy IQ, strong marking ability, great running capacity and neat kicking efficiency. His 196cm frame means he has the size and versatility to play across all thirds of the field.<\/p>\n
Potential No. 1 draft pick Dougie Cochrane, played his first SANFL game for Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval. 2 August 2026. Picture: Dean MartinSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
The Power received a huge boost in November last year when they were granted Next Generation Academy access to Cochrane, whose older brother Tom is in his second season on Port Adelaide\u2019s rookie list.<\/p>\n
Cochrane is still widely regarded by scouts as the best player in this year\u2019s draft class \u2014 despite barely playing in 2026 \u2014 and is being tipped to attract a Pick 1 bid.<\/p>\n
Carlton father-son gun Walker, who isn\u2019t expected to last much longer on the board after Cochrane on draft night, also caught the eye at state league level.<\/p>\n
Playing in his fifth game of the season for the Blues\u2019 VFL side, Walker racked up an equal team-high 29 disposals, eight marks, seven contested possessions, five inside 50s and five tackles in his side\u2019s close loss to St Kilda.<\/p>\n
The highlight of his performance was his goal in the second quarter. Inside Carlton\u2019s forward 50, Walker received the ball on the outside of congestion, slipped a tackle, pulled off a speedy one-two with a teammate, sidestepped to avoid an opponent and snapped a classy right-foot goal while off-balance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWowee, pretty impressive,\u201d former Crows goalkicker Josh Jenkins said on Fox Footy\u2019s VFL broadcast.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would absolutely have Blues fans salivating.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were pretty excited about the prospects of Jagga Smith, I think they might even be more excited about this young man\u2019s prospects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tied to Carlton under the father-son rule as his dad Andrew Walker played 202 games for the Blues, Walker impressed Jenkins with his low centre of gravity, elusiveness and evasiveness.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis ability to cut through traffic on the angle is what stands out \u2026 it\u2019s really sharp,\u201d Jenkins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of us have to really decelerate, change direction then accelerate again. But he feels like a bit of a Formula 1 car who can really change direction but still maintain that high level acceleration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s why he\u2019s going to be an unbelievable stoppage player in time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Magpies AFLW best and fairest Jordyn Allen added: \u201cYou look at his activity, he just wants the ball. He\u2019s always on the move through the contest and, as a defender, that\u2019s so hard to stop. <\/p>\n
\u201cHis ability to deceive the opposition, weave in and out, buy himself time and space \u2026 he\u2019s definitely a smooth mover.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker, who formally committed to joining the Blues as a 2026 father-son selection in July last year, is expected to line up for Carlton\u2019s VFL side again this season when the Blues face Footscray at Whitten Oval. That would be his sixth state league game for the year \u2014 a high number for a Victorian-based draft prospect, who usually don\u2019t receive VFL exposure to that extent.<\/p>\n
TIED STARS MAKING THEIR STATE LEAGUE CASE \u2014 AND THE CLUBS FACING A HUGE CALL<\/p>\n
Walker wasn\u2019t the only club-tied player in the first-round mix to make a statement at state league level in the past week, with Western Bulldogs NGA forward Khaled El Souki turning heads on VFL debut.<\/p>\n
After kicking a Talent League-high 36.11 from 11 games for the Western Jets, El Souki was named in Footscray\u2019s side to take on the VFL Kangaroos.<\/p>\n
Dogs NGA prospect Khaled El Souki. Picture: Craig Dooley\/AFL PhotosSource: AFL Photos<\/p>\n
And the 176cm talent adapted to the level with aplomb, booting 3.0 from 14 disposals, three tackles and two clearances.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs will have the right to match a bid on El Souki come November\u2019s draft, but whether they\u2019ll have the capital to ultimately match under the new bidding rules remains a talking point among clubs. That\u2019s because if Port Adelaide restricted free agent Zak Butters officially nominates the Bulldogs as his preferred destination, the Power are being tipped to match the offer, which would force the Bulldogs to trade for Butters.<\/p>\n
Seventeen other clubs, therefore, are on alert for the possibility of El Souki being taken in the open draft.<\/p>\n
Another Vic Metro forward with recent VFL experience is Blake Justice, who lined up for Essendon against Coburg. Justice is a 190cm forward out of the Calder Cannons who could attract a draft night bid.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere in the VFL, top Lions academy prospect Caylen Murray had his most prolific VFL game yet for Brisbane, collecting 17 disposals, seven marks and five intercepts against Southport. The Lions will almost certainly have to match a first-round bid on a tied player for the sixth time this decade, with Murray highly regarded by rival clubs \u2013 some suggesting he\u2019s in the top-10 mix. An aggressive, line-breaking defender-midfielder, Murray claimed the Allies\u2019 MVP award and was named in the Under 18 All-Australian side.<\/p>\n
Adelaide has also had a first-hand look at top NGA talent Anthony Long at SANFL league level in the past two weeks. Long, a strongly-built 185cm forward who was named an Under 18 All-Australian after booting eight goals for SA, kicked a goal against Woodville West-Torrens.<\/p>\n
Anthony Long of South Australia. Picture: Travis Hayto\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Eagles, in the same game, had 19-year-old draft bolter Jack Slattery making his SANFL debut. And it took him no time to impact, kicking the first goal of game within the opening 90 seconds. Slattery, a 192cm player with Logan Morris-like traits and goalkicking nous, got his league chance after a champs-high 16 goals for SA and seven goals from three SANFL reserves matches.<\/p>\n
West Coast has also given NGA prospect Garrison Kenh and father-son gun Harper Banfield WAFL league opportunities in recent weeks.<\/p>\n
Kenh, a 182cm defender renowned for his composure, rebounding ability and lethal left-foot kick, had 15 disposals on WAFL debut against Subiaco last weekend. He got his state league chance after averaging 23.8 disposals from six colts games for Claremont.<\/p>\n
Banfield \u2013 the brother of Saint Charlie Banfield and son of dual premiership Eagle Drew Banfield \u2013 played in the previous two WAFL league matches for West Coast, collecting 20 disposals against West Perth on debut then backing it up with one goal from 17 touches against South Fremantle. Known for his competitiveness, workrate and cleanliness in tight, Banfield (181cm midfielder) was a crucial member of WA\u2019s Under 18 national carnival team, averaging 23 disposals, six tackles and five inside 50s across four games.<\/p>\n
LEAGUE EXPOSURE FOR TOP SA TALENTS \u2026 AND WA BOLTERS<\/p>\n
Scouts were also pleased to see several highly-rated open-pool players get a taste of state league action.<\/p>\n
Woodville-West Torrens\u2019 Mitch Harris \u2014 considered by some to be the best key defender in this year\u2019s class \u2014 has played the past two SANFL league matches for the Eagles. He had 12 disposals and eight intercepts on debut against Glenelg then another seven disposals and four intercepts against Adelaide last weekend. A tough, courageous and close-checking 196cm defender, Harris was named at full-back in the Under 18 All-Australian team.<\/p>\n
Harris on Sunday came up against SA teammate and fellow All-Australian Jake Eime, who\u2019s featured in the Adelaide Crows\u2019 two most recent matches. Eime had six kicks against the Eagles after a 13-disposal, six-intercept debut outing against South Adelaide. Eime has AFL-like run-and-carry ability and the confidence to back his speed and take the game on to break lines.<\/p>\n
“No more BS!”: What bottom 10 must fix | 06:16<\/p>\n
Speaking of South Adelaide, inside on-baller Kodah Edwards has played three consecutive SANFL league games for the Panthers, averaging 14.0 disposals, 3.7 marks and 3.0 tackles. After playing as a half-forward who pinch-hit in the midfield on league debut against Glenelg, Edwards has continued to play close to goal in the past few weeks, leading to 1.2 against Adelaide in Round 16. While Edwards has been a prolific inside ball-winner at SANFL Under 18s and national Under 18s level, scouts believe his best role at AFL level would be as a high half-forward.<\/p>\n
And keep your eye out for a couple of large lads in the west.<\/p>\n
Claremont\u2019s Benji van Rooyen \u2013 the brother of Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen \u2013 made his WAFL league debut last weekend against Swan Districts, collecting nine disposals, four tackles and 12 hit-outs. It comes after an excellent Under 18 carnival, where he thrived as the Black Swans\u2019 No.1 ruck, averaging 14 disposals, 4.0 marks, 2.8 tackles and 20.5 hit-outs from four games, proving he has potential as a 203cm AFL ruck rather than a pure forward.<\/p>\n
Then there\u2019s 196cm West Perth forward Harvey Spawton-Guy, who looms as a late draft bolter. Spawton-Guy\u2019s past three games have been at WAFL league level \u2014 and he\u2019s kicked two goals in each match. It comes after he kicked 6.7 from four Under 18s games for WA where his mobility and strong pair of hands were on full display.<\/p>\n
MATURE-AGE WATCH: FREAK STREAK SET TO EXTEND<\/p>\n
One of footy\u2019s great feel-good streaks seems destined to continue this off-season.<\/p>\n
For not only is Werribee\u2019s Brady Wright a red-hot favourite to claim the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the most promising VFL player aged 24 or under, he looms as a possible mid-to-early national draft pick.<\/p>\n
In a remarkable streak, the past 19 consecutive Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winners have been drafted onto AFL lists. Some of those players include Michael Barlow, Michael Hibberd, Kane Lambert, Nic Newman, Luke Ryan, Bayley Fritsch, Sam Davidson and, most recently, Tom Blamires.<\/p>\n
And scouts believe the 195cm Wright will be in the early national draft considerations come November after a strong 2026 campaign for footy factory Werribee.<\/p>\n
Brady Wright and Aaron Cadman at the GWV Rebels in 2022.Source: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old has booted 45.18 and averaged 10.4 disposals and 6.0 marks from 14 VFL matches this year. He\u2019s kicked three goals or more in 10 of his past 12 matches, including a bag of seven against Footscray a fortnight ago.<\/p>\n
That form has earned Wright an invite to the state draft combine in October where he\u2019ll take part in testing alongside other AFL hopefuls in front of 19 clubs. He was the only mature-age VFL player to receive an invite when the AFL released its initial lists earlier this month.<\/p>\n
A product of the GWV Rebels and close friend of Giant Aaron Cadman, Wright was initially draft eligible in 2022 but ultimately wasn\u2019t picked. He played for Darley in the Ballarat FNL before arriving at Werribee ahead of the 2025 season. He endured a patchy, injury-interrupted campaign last year, but has thrived in 2026 after a full pre-season.<\/p>\n
A plumber by day, Wright has already had interviews with AFL clubs, according to his manager Scott Lucas, who said his client had shown \u201cred-hot\u201d form in the back-half of the year.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can easily look in the rearview and say a club should\u2019ve done this and that. But in fairness, he (Wright) has really caught fire,\u201d Phoenix Management Group agent Lucas told Gettable earlier this month.<\/p>\n
\u201cHad a couple (of AFL club interviews), got a couple more lined up. I\u2019d expect interest to be realised over the next month or six weeks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d be extremely surprised if he wasn\u2019t drafted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wright kicked three goals in his most recent game against in-form Tasmania, which has a couple of players on the draft radar.<\/p>\n
Brandon Leary of the Devils. Picture Simon SturzakerSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
One of those is 179cm midfielder-forward Brandon Leary, who kicked 2.0 from 28 disposals and six inside 50s in the 12-point win over Werribee. The 23-year-old has been a key member of the Devils\u2019 VFL rise in 2026, playing in all 17 games and averaging 18.3 disposals, 4.9 inside 50s and 3.7 tackles.<\/p>\n
Leary told SEN Tassie this week he\u2019d spoken to \u201ca few (AFL) clubs\u201d this year, but wasn\u2019t focused on his footy future at this stage.<\/p>\n
Asked if he\u2019d consider moving interstate if an AFL club wanted him for 2027 or would rather play another VFL season in Tasmania to target a spot on the Devils\u2019 inaugural AFL list in 2028, Leary said: \u201cThat\u2019s a good question and I haven\u2019t thought about it much. I know people talk about that sort of stuff \u2026 I honestly try not to focus on that stuff too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
As well as Leary, speedy 177cm half-forward Lachy Hay is also being monitored closely by AFL clubs, per The Mercury<\/a> and AFL Media<\/a>.<\/p>\n Plucked from obscurity playing country footy in Victoria last year, Hay has been a consistent performer for the Devils in the VFL this year, booting 14.15 and averaging 16.0 disposals from 17 games.<\/p>\n AFL Media reported this week \u201ca handful of teams\u201d were circling Hay as a potential mature-aged draftee, while he\u2019d also be a chance for an express pass into Tasmania\u2019s AFL program.<\/p>\n And could Zach Stevens be the latest local footy recruiting stunner?<\/p>\n The Geelong Advertiser reported<\/a> this week that South Barwon\u2019s Stevens was \u201cin the sights of AFL clubs\u201d after an impressive 19th year.<\/p>\n Zach Stevens of the Cats\u2019 VFL team. Picture: Rob Lawson\/AFL PhotosSource: Herald Sun<\/p>\n After a 51-goal Under 18 season last year, Stevens starred for South Barwon\u2019s senior side before linking up with Geelong\u2019s VFL side, where he played six games. He also joined the Falcons in the Talent League as a 19-year-old, booting 1.3 in each of his two games.<\/p>\n South Barwon coach Mark Neeld, the former Melbourne senior coach, told <\/a>CODE Sports<\/a> the speedy Stevens \u201cwould be one of the most talented athletes in Geelong\u201d.<\/p>\n TOP OF THE OPEN POOL<\/p>\n Don\u2019t discount Ethan Drever from the \u2018best prospect in the open pool\u2019 discussion.<\/p>\n After taking out Vic Country\u2019s MVP award and earning Under 18 All-Australian selection thanks to a dazzling carnival, Drever produced arguably his best game of the season on the weekend. The GWV Rebels captain amassed a whopping 39 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and six inside 50s in testing conditions against the Geelong Falcons.<\/p>\n While Drever, at times, showed off his trademark line-breaking speed, it was his power at stoppage that stood out in the draw with the Falcons.<\/p>\n Drever\u2019s all-round profile makes him one of the most complete open-pool prospects. He\u2019s strong and agile in the contest, versatile, aerobically powerful, clean with ball in hand and has a penetrating kick \u2014 traits that have seen him draw comparisons to Giants star Finn Callaghan.<\/p>\n Ethan Drever of the Rebels. Picture: Lachie Chugg\/AFL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n Other players in \u2018best in the open pool\u2019 contention are Northern Knights ruck Harry Van Hattum, who impressed with 16 disposals, six marks, one goal and 26 hit-outs against the Stingrays a fortnight ago, as well as Sandringham Dragons forward-midfielder duo Arki Butler and Gus Teixeira \u2014 the latter recently kicking seven goals in a school game for St Kevin\u2019s.<\/p>\n Butler is a chance to return from a collarbone injury for Brighton Grammar\u2019s APS grand final against Caulfield Grammar on Saturday, but won\u2019t be risked unnecessarily. That game will feature several first-round draft chances in Vic Metro MVP defender Tyson Bradley (Brighton), high-flying forward Wil Malady (Caulfield) and disciplined forward-midfielder Marlon Neocleous (Caulfield). Neocleous enters the game in strong form after booting three goals from 32 disposals against Melbourne Grammar last week to inspire his team\u2019s grand final berth.<\/p>\n Elsewhere in the Talent League, Eastern Ranges winger Harrison Chapman has racked up 24 disposals in each of his last two games. Some scouts rate Chapman at the pointy end of the pool due to his aggressive transition ability, outside run and powerful kicking.<\/p>\n With Van Hattum sidelined, Northern Knights ruck-forward Lewis Houndsome produced a dominant aerial display against the Sandringham Dragons, finishing with 18 disposals, seven inside 50s, six marks and 37 hit-outs. He was well supported by bolter teammate Sam Gayfer, who kicked 3.3 from 15 disposals, while Harvie Cooke continued his dazzling season with two goals from 25 disposals and five inside 50s. The Dragons welcomed back Vic Metro star George Dimer from school duties \u2014 and the hard-working small forward didn\u2019t disappoint, finishing with 19 disposals and nine tackles in a slick display.<\/p>\n Keenan Boi of the Power. Picture: Craig Dooley\/AFL Photos via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n In Gippsland Power\u2019s 122-point demolition of the Murray Bushrangers, Hawthorn NGA prospect Keenan Boi \u2014 a dynamic 182cm forward with speed and elite pressure \u2014 dominated, booting 3.1 from 29 disposals and six marks. He was well supported by Cody Templeton (4.3), who was a surprise omission from the national combine invite list released earlier this month.<\/p>\n \u2018A BIG DECISION\u2019: SWANS PROSPECT\u2019S CROSS-CODE CALL JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT HARDER<\/p>\n The big decision between footy and athletics just got a whole lot harder for Mason McGroder, who stunned the world with his recent feats at the Under 20 World Athletics Championships.<\/p>\n The 17-year-old has long been viewed as one of Australia\u2019s most intriguing dual-sport athletes. On the footy field, he\u2019s a speedy and physical defender with a high vertical lead who\u2019s developed through the Swans academy, leading to selection in the Allies squad for this year\u2019s national championships.<\/p>\n But McGroder\u2019s talents on the football field are matched by his potential on the track. <\/p>\n This was on display last week in the US where McGroder claimed a silver medal in the long jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships. He qualified for the final with a personal-best jump of 7.83m \u2014 then bettered it in the final with a brilliant 7.96m effort, which was just 1cm short of gold medallist Daniele Inzoli of Italy in one of the tightest finals of the championships.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m over the moon,\u201d McGroder told Australian Athletics social channels post-event. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit disappointing to miss by literally 1cm \u2014 which is something you have nightmares about \u2014 but can\u2019t be any happier with the result.<\/p>\n \u201cI was absolutely buzzing out there \u2026 I do have that competitor in me \u2014 and with that Aussie spirit, the team behind me in the stands, it doesn\u2019t get any better.\u201d<\/p>\n Mason McGroder won bronze at the U20 World Championships for long jump in 2024. Picture: Mason McGroder\/InstagramSource: InstagramSydney Swans Academy player Mason McGroder. Picture: Phil HillyardSource: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n It\u2019s McGroder\u2019s second long jump medal at the Under 20 champs after he claimed a remarkable bronze in 2024 \u2026 as a 15-year-old.<\/p>\n Legendary athletics and footy commentator Bruce McAvaney watched McGroder\u2019s silver medal performance live in Eugene, Oregon.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s an elite AFL prospect \u2014 and he\u2019s got a big decision to make,\u201d McAvaney told Channel 7 on Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes he go into the draft or does he stay in athletics? It\u2019s going to be a hard call.\u201d <\/p>\n Athletics offers McGroder the chance to pursue an individual sport in which his natural gifts could take him to the highest level. The AFL pathway, though, remains hugely appealing given his football pedigree and the opportunities that come with his rare athletic profile.<\/p>\n For now, McGroder has the enviable problem of having two sports fighting for his attention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The AFL draft race is heating up, with top prospects making statements at state league level, mature-age bolters…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":854229,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[573],"tags":[64,63,817,813,816,85],"class_list":["post-854228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-formula-1","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-f1","tag-formula-1","tag-formula1","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/854228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=854228"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/854228\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/854229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=854228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=854228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=854228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}