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.
VIEW: FULL 2023 AFL DRAFT ORDER
17. Pick 17 - St Kilda: Koltyn Tholstrup
Position: Forward
Height: 186cm
Weight: 86kg
State: Western Australia
Club: Newtown Condingup
The livewire half-forward is one of the standout characters in this year's draft thanks to his bouncing locks and on-field antics, but Tholstrup also knows how to have an impact with the ball.
The strong medium-sized forward would play 10 games in Subiaco's senior WAFL side this year, booting 7.10 from an average of 11 disposals, 3.5 marks and 2.4 tackles per game for the Lions as they made a push for the premiership.
If he can settle himself in front of goal and turn around his inaccuracies, Tholstrup can be one of the more damaging prospects in this year's class.
Another to consider: Archer Reid
