Dougie Cochrane's back.
That was the storyline of last weekend as he made his return to the field for the first time this year - and it was also the story from this weekend as he returned to form with 31 disposals.
Admittedly, those numbers are somewhat inflated by the fact he took kick-ins, but in a 98-point loss, he absorbed plenty of pressure and led all comers in just his second game in Power colours.
Shifted into the backline to get him more involved in the contest, he played normal minutes after being on managed time last week.
He gained plenty of territory all day and started plenty of attacking thrusts, with his skill execution and athleticism impressive in blustery conditions.
His willingness to continue to fight in the face of an avalanche of West Adelaide forward 50 entries and play out the minutes despite the heavy defeat was impressive.
Cochrane has two games remaining in the season which will effectively be a precursor for what to expect when he officially joins the club next year.
Other talent pathway tidbits
- Top Northern Territory prospect Sonny Smiler made an impact in his one-off game for Bendigo Pioneers. The AFL Academy prospect kicked an early goal and celebrated with a backflip, bringing energy and enthusiasm. He was given a licence to attack and play across the ground, impacting with his pace, which he used to open up scoring opportunities in a heavy loss, and hunt opponents. He remains raw, but his high-speed running numbers were off the charts and he has the basic tools that give some confidence he may be worth a gamble.
- Woodville-West Torrens forward Jack Slattery kicked the first goal of the game on his league debut. That turned out to be his only goal as he finished with just the five disposals but had a couple of likely moments.
- Wil Antrobus and Gus Kennedy continued their strong form since returning from the Under-18s Championships for the Dandenong Stingrays. The defenders are coming off contrasting carnivals, with Antrobus below his best and providing a reminder of his talent, while Stingrays skipper Kennedy is gathering significant momentum late in the season.
- West Coast Next Generation Academy prospect Garrison Kenh had some excellent moments on league debut. The AFL Academy member has had an up-and-down year as his defensive intent has been questioned, but his firepower is his strength as he can open the game up with his speed and damage off half-back and he showed his venomous ball use with some impressive moments.
- Hawthorn Next Generation Academy prospect Keenan Boi ran through the midfield and dominated in Gippsland's 138-point trouncing of Murray Bushrangers. The opportunistic livewire also kicked three goals and showed his dynamism and power all day.
- Northern Knights small forward Harvie Cooke has continued his underrated season with 25 disposals and two goals in another mammoth effort for a losing outfit. A tough and nuggety competitor, he has performed at every level this year.
