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
15. Pick 15 - Melbourne: Caleb Windsor
Position: Midfielder
Height: 184cm
Weight: 76kg
State: Victoria
Club: Lysterfield
Windsor's second half of this year has him right in the conversation as a mid-first-round selection, with his speed and clean hands among the traits that make him so attractive to AFL scouts.
Culminated with a 31-disposal, 16-mark outing against the Lions Academy, Windsor reached new heights to help steer the Eastern Ranges to a grand final finish and stamped his authority as one of the leading outside midfielders in this year's count.
Windsor also offers plenty on the attacking end, having booted at least one goal in his final eight games of the Talent League to offer a X-Factor presence on the field.
Another to consider:ย Koltyn Tholstrup
