2026 AFL Draft Prospects And Discussion

[1970crow]

This is the biggest joke. Diminishes those with legitimate indigenous identity.

we had this discussion not long ago and the prevailing view seemed to be the opposite. Until Port get an NGA out of it that is.

 

[johnnypanther]

This is what I find strange. How far back does it go? Was this the intent ever of the NGA program.

Family Background: Dougie's father, former AFL player Stuart Cochrane, recently explored and verified the family's Indigenous lineage on his maternal side. The family had disconnected from their cultural roots over several generations, leading to a delayed discovery.
Dougie Cochrane's Aboriginal heritage, which qualified him for the AFL's Next Generation Academy (NGA) program with Port Adelaide, traces back to the Ngunawal (Ngunnawal) people. This Indigenous Australian group is traditionally associated with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding New South Wales regions, such as around Canberra.

i call BS

 

[Archie87]

NGAs were meant to be about identifying young talent from diverse backgrounds at like 14-15 and supporting them in getting onto an AFL list. No issues with that e.g. Port and Pilot in 2027.

It shouldn't for signing up the best 17 year old in the country who is already part of the established pathways and was always getting drafted.

Port getting access to Cochrane is one of the biggest draft rorts in recent years and that's saying something. I'm surprised other AFL clubs haven't highlighted the insanity of it. The AFL made the sensible decision with the Hawks and Greeves but, in their "infinite wisdom", did the opposite with Cochrane.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

NGAs were meant to be about identifying young talent from diverse backgrounds at like 14-15 and supporting them in getting onto an AFL list. No issues with that e.g. Port and Pilot in 2027.

It shouldn't for signing up the best 17 year old in the country who is already part of the established pathways and was always getting drafted.

Port getting access to Cochrane is one of the biggest draft rorts in recent years and that's saying something. I'm surprised other AFL clubs haven't highlighted the insanity of it. The AFL made the sensible decision with the Hawks and Greeves but, in their "infinite wisdom", did the opposite with Cochrane.

Port picked a good year to be rubbish and miss the finals

If they were threatening, looking ominous then it would have been a Riewoldt/Lions ruling