Published • loading... • Updated
Bombers Poised to Place Pick No.1 Bid on Port-Tied Star
The Bombers are expected to force a match on the top academy prospect, a move that could give them an extra second-round selection under the new rules.
- On Thursday, Essendon confirmed plans to use their No. 1 draft pick to bid on Port Adelaide next-generation academy prospect Dougie Cochrane, forcing the Power to match the bid using their own draft points.
- Finishing last in the 2026 season makes the Bombers eligible for a second-round compensation pick if their first natural selection slides backwards, securing them pick No. 2, and either 20 and 21, or 21 and 22.
- Port Adelaide list boss Jason Cripps confirmed the bid on Thursday and expressed frustration with the AFL's complex rules, stating, "There's obviously a lot of water to go under the bridge and plenty to play out."
- Carlton's path to secure father-son prospect Cody Walker has become clearer as Essendon's focus on Cochrane means the Bombers avoid bidding on Walker, allowing the Blues to more easily compile necessary draft value index points.
- Meanwhile, Brisbane Lions premiership midfielder Sam Marshall has requested a trade to St Kilda after two seasons, with the Lions stating Thursday they will work to facilitate an outcome that best reflects true value for the 20-year-old.
Insights by Ground AI
12 Articles
12 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
How Essendon’s plan for pick No.1 is going to help bitter rivals Carlton
New draft rules announced in April made it harder for clubs to land priority talent – such as Cody Walker or Dougie Cochrane, who are widely considered among the best few prospects in this draft class.
·North Sydney, Australia
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 20%
R 20%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
