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

Port Adelaide's Tom Cochrane is set to make his Australian Football League (AFL) debut against Essendon, making him the first player with Tourette syndrome to play in an AFL match. This significant milestone highlights Cochrane's resilience and determination to pursue his sporting dreams despite the challenges he faces.

The 19-year-old's debut at the elite level has been hailed by Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley as "a great story for the AFL." Cochrane, the son of former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne utility Stuart Cochrane, was selected for Thursday night's game against the Bombers after impressing in state league trial matches. The forward has kicked seven goals in his past two trial games for Port Adelaide's state league side.

Cochrane was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a condition characterized by vocal tics, often involving swearing, at the age of nine. Hinkley said Cochrane was immediately embraced by Port Adelaide after being drafted in the rookie draft last November. "He's been brave enough to stand up and talk about the challenges he's faced, and everyone understands Tommy's situation," Hinkley told reporters on Wednesday.

Hinkley also stated, "But for him to be able to feel so comfortable so early in his time at Port Adelaide is a sign to us that he's one of our family, and he's been part of that family for a long time. It's a great story for our footy club, and it's a great story for footy in general." This shows the club's commitment to inclusivity and supporting its players both on and off the field.

Cochrane's father, Stuart, played 54 AFL games for Port Adelaide from 2003 to 2005, after playing 50 games for North Melbourne. Stuart, who had previously worked for Port Adelaide as a development coach at AFL level and a defensive coach in the club's state league side, is currently battling leukemia. Hinkley expressed his pride in the way Tom Cochrane has overcome his personal challenges. He said, "I'm proud of his family. He's embraced his challenges and adapted to the AFL environment in a short period of time."

Cochrane will be Port Adelaide's third AFL debutant this year, following Jye Amiss and Karl Amon. Hinkley said, "Every time you pick young players, they give you a look, they can bring great energy to the team... so it's exciting. You never put a ceiling on them. That's what you learn in the game, you give them an opportunity, and they take those opportunities, and they explore who they are and what they want to be."

Port Adelaide, currently with a record of one win and one loss, will face the winless Essendon at Docklands Stadium, with both teams facing a short turnaround after playing on Saturday. Hinkley said, "We know it's a performance-based industry, and the demands on us are to pick ourselves up and be ready to go again. We know it's going to be a fierce contest on Thursday night, and everyone's going to face those challenges – we're ready for it."