Port Adelaide’s Tom Cochrane to become first AFL player with Tourette syndrome in Essendon clash

Port Adelaide’s Tom Cochrane will become the first player with Tourette syndrome to feature in the AFL when making his debut against Essendon.

The 19-year-old’s first appearance at the elite level is being hailed by Power coach Ken Hinkley as a “great story for the AFL”.

Cochrane, the son of former Port and North Melbourne utility Stuart Cochrane, has been picked for Thursday night’s clash against the Bombers after strong returns in state league trial games.

The forward has kicked seven goals in the past two trials for Port’s state league side.

Cochrane was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome as a nine-year-old, with the syndrome manifesting in vocal tics, usually swear words.

Hinkley said Cochrane was immediately embraced by Port after being selected in last November’s rookie draft.

“His courage to stand up in front and talk about what his challenges have been, everyone sort of knew where Tommy was at,” Hinkley told reporters on Wednesday.

“But to be able to be comfortable enough very early in his time at Port Adelaide is such a sign for us that he’s a part of our family and been a part of this family for a long period of time.

“It is a great story for us as a football club, a great story for AFL football.”

Cochrane’s father, Stuart, played 54 AFL games for the Power from 2003 to 2005 after arriving from North Melbourne, where he played 50 matches.

Stuart, who was been part of Port Adelaide’s staff as a development coach in AFL ranks and the club’s state league defensive coach, is battling leukaemia.

Hinkley said he was full of pride for how Tom Cochrane had overcome his personal challenges.

“I am proud of his family,” he said.

Cochrane will be the Power’s third AFL debutant this year, following Joe Berry and Christian Moreas.

“They do show you, every time you pick young people, that they can bring great energy to the team … so it’s exciting,” Hinkley said.

“You never put ceilings on them.

“That is what you always learn in the game when you’re in it, you give them an opportunity and they take those opportunities and they explore who they are and want to be.”

Port, with one win and a loss, meet a winless Essendon at Docklands Stadium with both clubs on a short turnaround since playing last Saturday.

“We know our industry is a performance-based industry and the demands on us are to turn up and be ready to go again,” Hinkley said.

“We know the competition with Thursday night football, everyone is going to have these challenges — and we’re ready for it

AAP