Welcome to Zero Hanger'sย third and final 2023 AFL Mock Draft, where we'll cover the entire opening round of selections - predicted to be 28 picks in total.
Following our first and second Mock Drafts, this edition will take live trading into consideration and will look to select a balance of list needs and best available talent.
The opening round of the draft is set to see a suite of Academy and father-son bids lodged, meaning the order will shuffle significantly within the opening 30 selections.
The current first-round order falls between Pick 1 and 22, with the latter selection expected to balloon out to 28th overall following matched bidding.
Our final edition Mock Draft consists of ONE live trade, which includes a trio of 2023 first-round selections.
SEE ALSO: 2023 AFL MOCK DRAFT - FIRST EDITION
SEE ALSO: 2023 AFL MOCK DRAFT - SECOND EDITION
So, without further ado, here isย Zero Hanger'sย FINAL Mock Draft of 2023.
18. Pick 18 - GWS*: Riley Hardeman
*Follows previous trade
FULL PROFILE
Position: Defender
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
State: Western Australia
Club: Caversham
The second selection the Giants gained from the Crows sees the New South Wales club get access to dashing WA defender Riley Hardeman at Pick 18.
After adding Tassie swingman James Leake earlier in the night, GWS add another member of the U18 All-Australian side to their already-contending list from 2024.
Hardeman is an efficient ball winner and user in his line-breaking ability, while he can also float back to act as an intercepting asset.
Others to consider:ย Lance Collard, Archie Roberts
The idea that Adelaide would trade picks 10 and 14 in order to get pick 9 – stupid past imbecility stupid.
If the recruitment staff did that they’d have some bloody hard explaining to do.
It ranks right up there with giving two first round picks for Gibbs – when he was what 30?