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
16. Pick 16 - Sydney: James Leake
Position: Defender-Forward
Height: 187cm
Weight: 77kg
State: Tasmania
Club: Launceston
The Tasmanian's best efforts were recognised after the Allies' title-clinching campaign, with Leake earning a sport in the U18 All-Australian side alongside seven of his National Championships teammates.
The medium-sized defender is a balanced backman thanks to his ability to outwork his opponent in the air and at ground level.
Leake managed to transition those traits into the forward half when he swung forward for Tasmania in the Talent League to boot 15 goals in his last five games of the season.
Another to consider:ย Koltyn Tholstrup
