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
14. Pick 14 - Adelaide: Darcy Wilson
Position: Midfielder
Height: 186cm
Weight: 74kg
State: Victoria
Club: Wangaratta Rovers
Wilson sits just outside the top 10 mix but would be high up on the Crows' list as they potentially look to add some outside run to their list.
While able to play through the middle, Wilson's speed and agility is what gives him the upper hand in space, where he can gather the ball and break away from the pack.
After bidding farewell to Paul Seedsman this season and likely seeing captain Jordan Dawson increase his minutes at centre stoppages, Wilson could be the complementing piece to Matthew Nicks' midfield.
Another to consider:ย Caleb Windsor
