QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Joel Cochran has topped the 2024 Draft Combine testing in the 2km time trial after physical testing concluded in Melbourne on Sunday.

Results were announced overnight with the NSW athlete leading the pack with a time of 6:05 - eight seconds faster than second place. Hailing from the UNSW Bulldogs Cochran also ranked in the top 10 for his running vertical jump 87cm. 

The national Draft Combine events took place in Melbourne across three days showcasing a host of the most talented Draft-eligible footballers ahead of this year’s Telstra AFL Draft in November and Telstra AFLW Draft in December.

Cochran has enjoyed a strong season in the top end Academy program. In February, he was announced as the recipient of the Frank Burton scholarship and featured in 2024 Allies squad.

In 2023 he was a member of the U17 Futures team – which plays annually ahead of the AFL Grand Final – and kicked two goals for his side. He was also named in the AFL Academy squad which sees 30 of the best talented players in Australia selected to participate in several events throughout 2024.