What a year it has been for Northern Knights forward-midfielder Harvie Cooke. He built a stacked CV, taking out the Morrish Medal as the Talent League's best and fairest, Northern Knights best and fairest, finished top five in the Larke Medal, and was named in the Under-18s All-Australian side.
A ruthlessly competitive midfielder predominantly through the year, he will likely start his career in a Lachie Schultz-type role at AFL level, with his ability to compete against bigger opponents, power inside 50 and apply pressure all attributes he can provide.
His strength and explosiveness at contest were terrific assets he showed throughout 2026 as he proved difficult to tackle and showed a great ability to win clearances.
He also has sneaky athleticism, with his 20-metre sprint and agility tests at the AFL Draft Combine impressive, and he shows that on the footy field with his ability to escape direct opponents and navigate through traffic.
The higher the level in 2026, the better Cooke performed, relishing the big stage and wanting the ball in his hands in big moments as he steadily rose despite minimal fanfare about his high production.
Projects as a likely second-round prospect but is part of an even group through the middle of the draft, and ranking him against the series of other small forwards is like splitting hairs, so he could easily be a surprise riser or slight slider.
Strengths
Strength
Power
Pressure
Potential Landing Spot(s)
Carlton
Collingwood
Brisbane
Draft Range
Picks 25-50
Key Quote
"I back myself pretty highly and I'm confident in my own ability, but obviously don't have any expectations I will waltz into a club and start in the side - I've got to earn the respect but I back myself." - Harvie Cooke
