Dougie Cochrane leads 2026 AFL draft as consensus number-one pick
Dougie Cochrane, a Port Adelaide prospect, is the ranked number-one player ahead of the November 19 AFL draft.
Port Adelaide gun Dougie Cochrane is the overwhelming favourite for pick one in the 2026 AFL draft, which starts November 19. Nine of 22 prospects interviewed at the draft combine named Cochrane as the top prospect.
Cochrane, son of former AFL player Stuart Cochrane, shows great athleticism, strong marking, and clean kicking skills. Cochrane can play across all thirds of the field as a versatile tall.
The 2024 Kevin Sheehan Medal winner made his SANFL league debut and kicked four goals in the first half. He missed most of this year after knee surgery in March but returned for Port Adelaide's last four games, averaging 17.8 disposals and 92 per cent disposal efficiency.
Essendon holds pick one and has Cochrane ranked first on its draft board.
- November 19, 2026
- Draft date
- 9 of 22
- Scouts' consensus
- 2024 Kevin Sheehan Medal
- Award
- Essendon
- Holding pick one
Why it mattersCochrane's potential selection as pick one shows Port Adelaide's development pipeline is producing elite talent and sets the tone for the entire draft.
AustraliaAustralian AFL fans will follow Cochrane closely, as he is tipped to become a star for Port Adelaide. The draft on November 19-20 shapes the next decade of the competition.
