Gippsland Power captain Cody Templeton entered the year as a highly-touted prospect before some question marks emerged about how he would go at the next level, but a strong end to 2026 reinforced his big game credentials.
A strong contest player who plays aggressively, can win clearances and impact defensively, he is also a noted goalkicker, able to make the most of his opportunities in front of the big sticks and proving a difficult matchup given his forward craft, pound-for-pound strength and goal nous.
That was best advertised in a five-goal Talent League Grand Final performance, where he was named best afield and played his best footy with the game on the line.
Being able to make something happen when his team most needs it has been a consistent thread for all the teams Templeton has played for throughout his junior career.
As a whole, 2026 was a solid year for Templeton, who showed his strengths reasonably well but plateaued a touch from the trajectory he was on in a stellar bottom-aged campaign.
Has been critiqued for his ability to spread from the contest and whether he is damaging enough in transition or too reliant on being an inside brute - but excelling on a hot day in the Grand Final and running out games well throughout the finals series was a positive step in the right direction.
Templeton's leadership is another major tick, able to set up teammates around stoppage, consistently doing one percenters, and is praised for his standards off-field as the premiership co-captain.
Strengths
Midfield Craft
Forward craft
Footy IQ
Leadership
Likely Landing Spot(s)
Collingwood
Port Adelaide
West Coast
Draft Range
Pick 45-Rookie
Key Quote
“I know he has genuine X-factor and the bigger the game, the better he plays.” - Kris Pendlebury
