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

10. Pick 10 - Geelong: Connor O'Sullivan

Position: Key Defender
Height:
198cm
Weight: 92kg
State: New South Wales
Club: Albury

O'Sullivan is a clean backline prospect who is as damaging on the defensive end as he is with the ball in hand.

While also able to play forward, O'Sullivan took out the Allies' MVP honour in a premiership-winning side under coach Mark McVeigh to be one of eight Allies players to earn a U18 All-Australian selection for 2023.

With the Cats likely looking toward add height to their backline, they won't come across a more fitting option than O'Sullivan.

Another to consider:ย Darcy Wilson

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Connor O'Sullivan of the Allies during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on June 11, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)