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
3. Pick 3 - North Melbourne: Zane Duursma
Position: Midfielder-Forward
Height: 189cm
Weight: 79kg
State: Victoria
Club: Foster
North Melbourne will have an enticing decision to make when they're on the clock given they hold a pair of successive selections in the opening four slots.
Their opening selection could be to add Duursma to their emerging list, with the brother of new Essendon recruit Xavier and Port Adelaide's Yasmin an astute pickup for a side likely wanting to bolster its attack while also adding some midfielder support.
Duursma's best position is at half-forward, where he can work up the ground and impact the engine room before flicking the switch and being a lethal presence in attack.
Another to consider:ย Dan Curtin
