Exclusive: Port Adelaide rookie Tom Cochrane's journey to an AFL list has been harder than most.
Every day for the past 10 years, he's faced an exhausting battle to control his body against Tourette's syndrome.
It's a cruel disorder, with those who live with it in a constant battle with uncontrollable physical and vocal tics.
Power rookie Tom Cochrane has opened up on his battle with Tourette's syndrome. 9News
"I remember the first time it happened, I was at my grandma's having dinner and I started swearing uncontrollably and it was weird because I never felt it before," he said.
The 19-year-old's journey has been marked by the physical and vocal tics that have affected his daily life, particularly during his school years.
"School was real tough because I didn't enjoy it. I was sitting in class, not focusing, and my tics were always coming out," he said.
Cochrane found solace on the football field, where his focus on the game helped suppress his tics.
A lifelong fan of Port Adelaide, he achieved his dream of being drafted to the rookie list, despite the challenges he has faced due to Tourette's, which at one point made playing football difficult due to the side effects of his medication.
"Footy's like an outlet for it because every time I'm playing footy, I get away from ticking because if I focus on something I enjoy, it can all go away," he explained.
The family faced an extra battle when Tom's father, Stuart Cochrane, himself a 53-game Port Adelaide player, was suddenly rushed to hospital and diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Several times, the family prepared for the worst.
"I am lucky to be here myself," Stuart said.
"Growing up with your dad being super crook and not knowing if he's going to be around the place, and also having Tourette's, has been a battle for (Tom).
"But he's done really well, and we are proud of him."
Tom Cochrane with dad Stuart, himself a former Port Adelaide player. 9News
Tom's determination to inspire others led him to share his story with his Power teammates, a decision he found daunting but was ultimately met with encouragement and support.
His goal now is to become the first player with Tourette's to play AFL, hoping to inspire others to embrace their individuality and not be defined by their afflictions.
"It doesn't really matter if you have Tourette's or not; you're still a human being," he said.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
