At just 16, the Brisbane Roar product has already made his debut for the Bluebirds’ U-23s, trained with the first-team on a number of occasions under the scrutiny of the volatile and voluble head coach Neil Warnock - who quit on Tuesday after a dismal run of results.
He is also a regular starter for the Championship club’s U-18s - and is aiming to emerge, at some point, as a mini Mat Ryan.
Like the Socceroos gloveman, he’s not the tallest - standing at 1.8m to Ryan’s 1.84m, though he’s expected to grow to 1.85m by the time he turns 18.
And, reminiscent of Ryan, he’s quick, agile and accomplished with his footwork and distribution.
“That was one of the first things the club said when I came over, that I reminded them a bit of Mat Ryan ... quick through the goal and quite good with my feet,” Cogman said.
“I like to come off my line and really help the outfield players where I can.
“I love the way Mat carries himself and you see what he’s doing week in, week out in the Premier league with Brighton, that’s where I want to be.”
The rookie’s place in the scheme of things at Cardiff is a handy accomplishment after just four months on the books of the team who dropped down from the Premier League last season and sit 14th after 16 games this season.
Cogman, who has a two-year scholarship contract, is growing up fast away from friends and family as he immerses himself in a football culture he believes will provide the best platform for a quick growth spurt into the professional game.
“I wanted to be somewhere I could play every day and give myself the best chance of winning a pro contract,” he explained.
“In Australia, I’d have been made to wait until I left school to do that.
“I’m getting the best coaching and we have so many good keepers here ... it’s a great place to learn.
“In the U-23s alone we have George Ratcliffe, who’s an U-21 Welsh international and every day it’s competing against the best.”
Having begun his football life with NPL side Brisbane City, Cogman is eligible for Australia, England and Northern Ireland.
Whilst favouring the green and gold he is also pragmatic.
“Obviously my preference would be Australia first ... but if there’s only one offer I’d take it to get a taste of international football,” he added.
He is known to Joeys coach Trevor Morgan but has yet to receive a call up.
And Cogman’s brief experience of life under Warnock, 71, is etched in his mind.
“He’s a proper old fashioned manager and you can’t teach that,” he said.
“The things he’s said to the young players are priceless really.”
Cogman believes he’s in the right place to make some quick career moves.
“Being in the Championship, they don’t have the most expensive players here and need to look to their academy,” he said.
“Maybe, if I’m doing well here, other clubs might one day take a look at me and think maybe I could come up a level.”
