Port Adelaide's process to have 2026 draft prospect and Pick 1 contender Dougie Cochrane eligible as a member of their Next Generation Academy remains in the hands of the AFL.
The son of former Power player Stuart, Cochrane is a chance to join the club's NGA pathways program after his father contacted the league to seek approval in the wake of discovering Indigenous lineage.
A required further step to the process that the AFL would review is whether the Power would have priority access to Cochrane, who looms as the standout talent among next year's draft class.
Cochrane's older brother, Tom, is currently listed with Port Adelaide.
"It's pending," Power list manager Jason Cripps said of the ongoing matter.
"That's a process that we're working through with the AFL."
The highly-touted teenager has already trained at Alberton, and made his senior SANFL debut in August, booting a game-high four goals.
Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos
He would play a further four games at the state league level as a 17-year-old, kicking another six goals as he registered at least one major in each showing.
An untimely hamstring injury meant Cochrane didn't feature at the U18s National Championships, however his form for Central Districts' juniors has placed him ahead of the pack 13 months out from his draft.
Playing as a forward target or a tall midfielder at 196cm, Cochrane averaged 17.6 disposals, 6.0 marks, 3.8 inside 50s and just under two goals per game in the U18s for the Bulldogs.
Should the Power secure priority access to Cochrane, it could commence a rich draft window for the South Australian club, who also have ties to three of the top-rated 2027 draft prospects.
Father-son prospects Louis Salopek (son of Steven) and Tevita Rodan (son of David) are both linked, as is exciting NGA talent Zemes Pilot, who had a stellar year with the South Australia U16s and South Adelaide.
Pilot played two games at the U18s SANFL level, booting a pair of goals in each, while a nine-goal, 27-disposal outing at the U16s level was a standout performance. Pilot kicked 41 goals in 11 games at the level.
Both Salopek and Rodan are based in Victoria, with the latter also linked to Essendon as a member of the Bombers' NGA.
