Joel Cochran emerges as latest Sydney academy star set to leave AFL rivals envious

He took out the Draft Combine time trial and models his game off Hawthorn’s Josh Weddle. Could former athletics star Joel Cochran be the next Sydney Academy product to make a splash in the AFL?

The Swans Academy has become a breeding ground for some of the best footy talent in NSW, and Joel Cochran is looming as the latest name ready to take the AFL by storm.

Cochran wasn’t expecting a lot coming into the 2024 season.

He had come off a year filled with injuries and was just looking forward to getting back on the field and getting the Sherrin in his hands again.

But after an incredible 12 months, which included taking out the 2km time trial at the AFL Draft Combine in October, the impressive rebounding defender has emerged as a breakout prospect.

The Swans academy product took out the AFL Combine time trial by more than eight seconds from second place. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I think in 2023, I had quite a lot of injury struggles, so into 2024, it wasn’t a focus on getting drafted initially,” Cochran said.

“I just wanted to try and improve each game and yeah, that was sort of my focus going into the year. I did train hard for (the time trial) so I was happy to see some return on that effort and hard work.

“(My mates) jokingly ask me if I know anything or stuff like that, but no, they’re all supportive. My friends and family are really happy for me and hopefully, it works out well.

“I’m feeling pretty nervous, to be honest. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, then I’ll still play footy next year. But I’m just trying to keep pretty calm about it.”

After a life of Little Athletics and multiple distance running titles throughout his school years, Cochran eventually made the decision to dedicate himself to Aussie rules at the age of 15. However, it’s clear the skills he learned in those early days have translated with powerful leg speed and outstanding endurance.

But it was only after being flipped around in positions during his time in the Swans Academy that Cochran realised playing off halfback was his calling.

And he believes his game style is similar to a Swans legend and an up-and-coming star.

Cochran has attempted to model his game off exciting Hawthorn youngster, Josh Weddle. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“I really enjoyed my athletics but the more I played AFL and learned the game, I fell more in love with it,” Cochran said.

“They put you in a lot of different positions to improve your versatility, and going into my top age year, I had meaningful conversations with coaches who identified my skills could be used off that halfback and as a third tall.

“I really like Josh Weddle from Hawthorn, especially this year how he’s able to take the game on with his speed. And then Dane Rampe, I’ve always admired his game as a NSW boy, he’s a lockdown defender who has been a great player for a little over a decade now.

“I’d sum my play style up as a hardworking half-backer who takes the game on by hand and foot and can break the line and is a third intercepting tall.”

Swans fans can understandably get excited as on paper it looks like they could be landing another player in the mould of their current All-Australian star, Nick Blakey.

And although he still has some work to do on his decision-making with ball in hand, his development in 2024 and exposure to VFL level already suggests that will arrive in time.

“Playing against those bigger bodies was a good lesson for me,” Cochran said. “It has given me good confidence going into next year.”

Sydney is expecting a bid to come for Cochran, but they’re still unsure what range it will appear. Some recruiters believe it could be as early as the second round, but it’s more likely to be in the third round or later.

Cochran produced several impressive performances for the Allies in the under-18 championships. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

The Swans have a solid strategy of taking four players in this year’s draft, or five at a maximum. That includes the two first-round picks they take on Wednesday night.

However, all of their planning has involved finding a way to ensure Cochran ends up in the red and white in 2025 and beyond when a bid does arrive.

“(The Academy) has been such a great support network for all aspiring AFL players in Sydney and NSW,” Cochran said. “You couldn’t get that sort of coaching anywhere else.

“The draft is such a volatile thing, they don’t want to promise anything to anyone. I’ll be happy to go to any club, just an opportunity to play professional AFL football would mean the world to me, let alone for the Swans.”

Originally published as Joel Cochran emerges as latest Sydney academy star set to leave AFL rivals envious