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
12. Pick 12 - Western Bulldogs: Jordan Croft (matched F/S bid)ย
Position: Key Forward
Height: 200cm
Weight: 81kg
State: Victoria
Club: Maribyrnong Park
The Dogs should have the points to match a bid for Croft as early as Pick 10, with their acquisition of the Calder Cannons key forward set to see another tall talent land at Whitten Oval.
Croft emerged as a likely first-round selection and one of this year's most promising tall forwards throughout the course of this year thanks to his 23-goal Talent League campaign, where he'd flex his leading and aerial abilities.
Adding to a forward line that already consists of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton, Croft will be learning from some of the best to start his career.
Another to consider:ย N/A
