A strong contingent of Indigenous talent will form part of the Port Adelaide's SANFL program in 2026, with the State League club finalising its list ahead of the upcoming season.

Headlining the inclusions is highly touted teenager Dougie Cochrane, who arrives at Alberton after crossing from Central District.

The 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising young prospects in the country and is eligible for this year's national draft.

Cochrane is continuing a strong family connection at Port, following in the footsteps of his father Stuart and older brother Tom.

Last November, Cochrane's application to join Port Adelaide's Next Generation Academy as an Indigenous player was formally approved, as the family's Aboriginal heritage can be traced to the Ngunawal people.

Cochrane's father Stuart wrote to the AFL in mid-2024 to request access to Port Adelaide's NGA program as the family explored their Indigenous background on his maternal side after generations of disconnection from culture.

Already standing 196cm, Cochrane has impressed recruiters with his versatility, capable of playing across half-back, through the midfield, or as a dangerous tall forward.

He announced himself at senior SANFL level last season with a standout debut, booting four goals in the first half, while also being judged the carnival's best player at the 2023 U16 National Championships.

A hamstring injury prevented him from featuring for South Australia in last year's U18s Championships.

Port Adelaide SANFL coach Jacob Surjan said Cochrane's arrival was an exciting development for the program.

"It's exciting to have Dougie in our program," Surjan said.

"To coach and to watch him develop for this year will be great.

"He's a lovely kid who is happy to do anything the team and the coaches need of him - I'm looking forward to seeing what he can produce this year."

Another Indigenous talent continuing his rise is Rome Burgoyne, who has so far spent the pre-season training alongside the Power's AFL squad.

"Rome has been training with the AFL program consistently all pre-season and is looking really lean and fit," Surjan said.

"He's taken his footy to the next level this off-season."

The Magpies have also added Terrel Rigney and Keanu Miller, further strengthening their SANFL list with Indigenous players.

"I'm really excited to welcome the new boys, who have brought so much to the club already," Surjan said.

"A lot of our SANFL listed players get the opportunity to train with the AFL team, which is a real perk of the program.

"It's been really good getting back into training post-Christmas and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do in the year ahead."

Port Adelaide will get an early look at their finalised squad when they host Sturt in a pre-season practice match on Saturday, 28 February at Alberton Oval.