The 2023 AFL National Draft is less than a month away and with it fast approaching we've finalised our first edition Mock Draft - looking at how the opening round of the count might unfold.
The first round of November's draft has extended to 22 selections following the establishment of free agency compensation selections and one additional pick via the AFL's assistance package for North Melbourne.
With Academy and father-son bids predicted to come on the opening night of the draft, the first round could be extended past the mid-20s in what shapes as an intriguing queue.
Below we've worked through the first round of the draft order to present our opening Mock Draft of the season.
For the purpose of this exercise, we have decided not to predict prior or live trades for the draft, with the order remaining as it currently reads with the addition of matched Academy and father-son bids.ย
VIEW: FULL 2023 AFL DRAFT ORDER
1. Pick 1 - West Coast: Harley Reid
Position: Midfielder
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
State: Victoria
Club: Tongala
While there'll be some consideration into potentially trading Pick 1 - only if West Coast are blown out of the water with a rival offer - the Eagles will all but certainly select the highly-touted Reid atop the draft board.
The Bendigo Pioneers prospect entered 2023 as the standout talent off the back of a promising bottom-age year and has only strengthened his stocks as the leading figure in this year's class.
Able to play across all three lines of the field and use his physicality and pace to his advantage, Reid will be among the more ready-made names in this year's crop of prospects.
Another to consider:ย Dan Curtin
