Pair of Croweaters head to Alberton in 2024 AFL Rookie Draft - SANFL

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District’s Tom Cochrane and South Adelaide’s Benny Barrett will get their chance to thrive with Port Adelaide after being selected in the 2024 AFL Rookie Draft on Friday.

After 11 Croweaters had their name called across Wednesday and Thursday evening in the AFL Draft, Cochrane and Barrett had realised their dream less than 24 hours later.

Cochrane, the eldest son of former Power and Kangaroos utility Stuart Cochrane, was selected at pick No.13 while Barrett joined Port as a Category B rookie, qualifying as an Next Generation Academy prospect due to his Papua New Guinean family heritage.

Measuring in at 182cm, Cochrane can play as an inside midfielder or as a medium forward, posting averages of 19 disposals, four marks and four clearances in 18 SANFL U18 matches this season, while also hitting the scoreboard with 21 goals.

Boasting blistering speed, Barrett – who ran a time of 2.87 seconds for the 20m sprint during preseason – is a crafty goalsneak who has ambitions to move into the midfield.

Speaking on the South Aussie Select podcast below, Barrett – who won the inaugural SANFL U16 best-and-fairest medal in 2022 – revealed he learned plenty from Power star Willie Rioli after training at Alberton earlier in the season.

''I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and efforts of our SANFL Clubs, the SANFL Talent staff, volunteers and the families of these players in assisting with their development and helping them to realise their dream of playing football at a professional level.''

SANFL Executive General Manager Football Matt Duldig congratulated the 13 young SANFL players on being selected in the 2024 AFL Draft and Rookie Draft.

”I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and efforts of our SANFL Clubs, the SANFL Talent staff, volunteers and the families of these players in assisting with their development and helping them to realise their dream of playing football at a professional level,” Mr Duldig said.

“And importantly, for those talented young players who missed out on selection, they still have a great opportunity to play for their SANFL club and in the best State League competition, while continuing to develop and press for future AFL opportunities.”