Thirteen prospects invited to opening night of 2026 AFL Draft
Dougie Cochrane is among 13 prospects invited to the 2026 AFL Draft opening night on November 19.
The AFL has sent out its first wave of invitations for the draft opening night at Marvel Stadium on November 19-20. Dougie Cochrane, Port Adelaide's Next Generation Academy prospect, leads the group.
Carlton father-son prospect Cody Walker also received an invite, along with Essendon's Ethan Drever, Arki Butler, Gus Teixeira and ruckman Harry Van Hattum. Greater Western Sydney midfielder Ethan Matthews and versatile Brisbane Academy talent Caylen Murray are included, both Academy-tied players.
West Australian prospect Heath Mellody, South Australian key defender Mitch Harris, West Australian midfielder Leo Steed, Vic Country's Wil Malady and Vic Metro's Sam Gayfer round out the group. Clubs expect several more players to be added to opening night over the coming weeks.
- 13
- Prospects invited
- November 19-20
- Draft dates
- Marvel Stadium
- Venue
- 15 prospects
- Last year opening night
Why it mattersEarly invites signal which prospects the top clubs are eyeing as genuine contenders for round one.
AustraliaEvery AFL club in Australia will adjust their draft strategies and scouting focus based on these early invitees and the signal they send about likely first-round targets.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 h ago
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