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

7. Pick 7 - Western Bulldogs: Nick Watson

Position: Small Forward
Height: 170cm
Weight: 68kg
State: Victoria
Club: East Ringwood

The Dogs add to their already-lethal front third by swooping on Nick 'The Wizard' Watson at Pick 7, with the electrifying small forward among this year's leading attacking prospects.

Despite his small frame, Watson had a big impact at the National Championships to earn a return of 14 goals from his four matches for Vic Metro.

A great goal sense and his quick feet saw Watson continuously cause headaches for defenders, with a potential pairing alongside Cody Weightman likely to offer the same issue at AFL level.

Another to consider:ย Ryley Sanders

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 18: Mikayla Williamson of the Dandenong Stingrays, Harley Reid of the Bendigo Pioneers, Amy Gaylor of the Calder Cannons and Nick Watson of the Eastern Ranges poses during an AFL Victoria announcement on January 18, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/Getty Images)