Collingwood has selected Joel Cochran with Pick 47 on night two of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft.
Cochran made himself known at the National Draft Combine by winning the 2km time trial with a time of 6:05, the fastest time by eight seconds.
The versatile defender was a member of the Sydney Swans Academy playing at under 16’s level in 2022 and 2023 before making his debut in the under 18’s side in the same year. The 18-year-old also played one VFL game for the Sydney Swans, coincidentally against Collingwood.
The mobile tall is more than capable of playing as an intercepting defender, like he did for the Allies in 2024, but also as a rebounding backman with repeat efforts and overlapping runs. The work ethic of the 18-year-old cannot be questioned. As well as representing the Allies, Cochran was a part of the AFL Academy in 2024.
At 195cm, Cochran played for UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs as a junior, while also competing at a state level in the 400m and 800m events.
Key Stats:
Allies:
- Games: 4
- Avg Disp: 14
- Reb 50’s: 13
Coates Talent League:
- Games: 5
- Avg Disp: 13
- Avg Marks: 3.4
