Welcome to Zero Hanger's 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 is Zero Hanger's FINAL Mock Draft of 2023.
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
State: Victoria
Club: Tongala
A selection consistent with both of our previous two Mock Drafts, with the decision straight-forward for West Coast under the assumption they carry the opening pick to the draft.
Reid is the generational talent that will headline the Eagles' expected resurgence, with his prolific impact across the field set to be on show come Round 1 next year.
His physicality and explosiveness have seen him separated from the rest of his draft class for the better part of the past three years, with Reid the deserving Pick 1 selection for 2023.
Others to consider: Dan Curtin, Jed Walter
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Position: Key Forward
Height: 194cm
Weight: 97kg
State: Queensland
Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
A bid for Walter can be expected at Pick 2, with North Melbourne to likely use the greater required draft points total instead of making selections at second and fourth overall.
Walter is viewed as the leading prospect behind Harley Reid, with the Queensland key forward a force to be reckoned with this year at any level he featured.
The hulking tall attacker booted 18 goals in four Talent League matches and kicked a further 11 goals at the National Championships in spearheading the Allies.
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Position: Midfielder-Forward
Height: 189cm
Weight: 79kg
State: Victoria
Club: Foster
The first of two successive selections for the Kangaroos, who could shape how the rest of the top 10 plays out.
Their selection of Duursma will see Alastair Clarkson gain some forward spark and midfield talent in one pick, with Duursma able to play as a tall forward or through the middle of the field as an athletic ball-winner.
Duursma has a match-winning aura about him, made evident in his final National Championships outing against Vic Metro where he booted three third-quarter goals to turn the game in his side's favour.
Others to consider: Colby McKercher, Dan Curtin
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Position: Defender
Height: 197cm
Weight: 95kg
State: Western Australia
Club: West Coast
The Roos' two early picks should come down to Duursma, Curtin and Tasmanian Colby McKercher, with the former pair the two names we're going with here.
With Duursma filling a void in attack, Curtin can do the same in defence while also possessing an ability to run through midfielder or even join his new teammate as a forward force.
The Claremont talent is as versatile as they come and would be a weapon for North Melbourne over the next decade.
Others to consider: Colby McKercher, Nick Watson
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg
State: Tasmania
Club: Launceston
The Hawks will be awaiting to see who is left over from North Melbourne's pair of picks, while Eastern Ranges small forward Nick Watson will also be in the mind of list boss Mark McKenzie.
McKercher's availability sees the lighting-quick Allies onballer land at the Hawks fifth overall, with the Tasmanian young gun a prospect who can suitably complement Sam Mitchell's current engine room ensemble.
A bonafide ball-winner and inside/outside threat, McKercher will be a nice addition to the fledgling Hawks outfit.
Others to consider: Nick Watson, Nate Caddy
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Position: Small Forward
Height: 170cm
Weight: 68kg
State: Victoria
Club: East Ringwood
The Dogs will be waiting to see if Watson slides past the Roos and Hawks, and in this exercise, we're expecting exactly that to happen.
Watson is a high-volume small forward whose 170cm stature is quite deceiving, with 'The Wizard' able. to turn a game on its head with his cunning forward craft and goal sense.
The Vic Metro and AFL Academy talent would be a menace to defences that will already have to deal with the likes of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Cody Weightman.
Others to consider: Ryley Sanders, Caleb Windsor
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 86kg
State: Tasmania
Club: North Launceston
The Tasmanian and Sandringham onballer is arguably the best out-and-out midfielder on offer this year and would work wonders as a depth player who gets to learn from some of the game's best in Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
Sanders is a silky mover and smart ball user who can dance his way through stoppages and be equally damaging with his defensive work rate.
After a busy trade and free agency window that saw them part with midfielders James Harmes and James Jordon, Sanders will help bolster Melbourne's engine room.
Others to consider: Connor O'Sullivan, Caleb Windsor
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Position: Ruck
Height: 202cm
Weight: 92kg
State: Queensland
Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
The second projected Suns Academy bid of the night comes from GWS for top-rated ruckman Ethan Read, who rivals teammate Jed Walter as the premier tall in the 2023 draft class.
Read is an aerobically gifted 202cm ruckman, who ran a sub-six-minute 2km at the AFL Draft Combine and uses his running capacity to cover the ground with ease.
Can slot himself behind the ball and be an intercept marking threat, with Read set to be afforded the time to develop and add size before taking the reins from Gold Coast co-captain Jarrod Witts.
TRADE: Adelaide trade Picks 12 and 16 to GWS for Pick 9
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Position: Key Defender
Height: 198cm
Weight: 92kg
State: New South Wales
Club: Albury
The opening predicted trade for night one of the draft, with the Crows packaging two of their three first-round picks to get access to Murrayu Bushrangers backman Connor O'Sullivan.
The trade comes as the Crows hope to bolster their backline stocks with the addition of the 198cm talent, while the Giants are happy to move back several spots in the queue but still remain in the top 12 with
O'Sullivan enjoyed a stellar draft campaign with the Allies, winning the side's MVP title as an elite intercept and lockdown defender.
Others to consider: Caleb Windsor, James Leake
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Position: Key Forward
Height: 193cm
Weight: 92kg
State: Victoria
Club: Yarrambat
The Cats add to their front third with the selection of former Geelong forward Josh Caddy's nephew, Nate.
The 193cm-tall forward plays well above his height given his extended wingspan and elite leaping ability, with Caddy the leading key forward prospect on offer to all 18 clubs at this year's draft.
The Cats would view Caddy as their long-term spearhead, with the Northern Knights star to join Ollie Henry in taking the baton from Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins in the years to come.
Others to consider: Darcy Wilson, Caleb Windsor
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 184cm
Weight: 76kg
State: Victoria
Club: Lysterfield
The Bombers would've hoped for either O'Sullivan or Caddy to be available when they first come on the clock, so don't discount any live trading from the Bombers come draft night if they feel they're at risk of missing both.
If they are to hold their place in the queue, then the Bombers will be more than satisfied with the selection of Caleb Windsor, who is arguably the premier outside midfielder of 2023.
His speed and attacking craft will have him potentially in line for a top 10 bid, but the Bombers will be rapt to see him slide as they add to their promising midfield pack.
Others to consider: James Leake, Riley Hardeman
*Follows previous trade
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Position: Defender-Forward
Height: 187cm
Weight: 77kg
State: Tasmania
Club: Launceston
The first of two selections the Giants secured from Adelaide in our earlier trade move, with the Giants likely knowing one of Leake or Windsor will be on offer at Pick 12 instead of using their original selection.
Leake is a swingman prospect at 187cm tall, with the Tasmanian a high-leaping interceptor or attacking target who will fetch strong interest early into the draft.
The Giants have solidified their key position ranks and midfield group, with Leake set to complement Adam Kingslery's senior squad with his ability to play in a multitude of roles.
Others to consider: Darcy Wilson, Riley Hardeman
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 186cm
Weight: 74kg
State: Victoria
Club: Wangaratta Rovers
The Demons will await to see who is remaining from the first 12 or so selections, with there likely to be one or two names remaining from the top crop of talent.
In this case, it's Murray Bushrangers wingman Darcy Wilson who is available, with the Vic Country gun set to join Melbourne's earlier selection of Ryley Sanders in adding to the Demons' midfield.
Wilson has an elite aerobic capacity and can roam on the outside of the engine room or in the attacking forward, with the talented teenager a four-quarter performer who suits multiple roles.
Others to consider: Koltyn Tholstrup, Charlie Edwards
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 170cm
Weight: 68kg
State: Queensland
Club: Broadbeach
The third and final Suns Academy bid we're projecting in the first round, with Rogers to join the aforementioned Walter and Read in committing to Carrara.
The Broadbeach onballer will have a fitting mentor on offer in Touk Miller, with Rogers a similar player and build to the Suns co-captain given his defensive-minded midfield strengths.
The Suns will have the calculator out all night as they look to ensure they can match a trio of Academy bids within the top 15 as well as planning for another impending bid on Will Graham later into the count.
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Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 78kg
State: Victoria
Club: Edithvale-Aspendale
The Swans often raise a few eyebrows during each and every draft, and this predicted selection of DeMattia might do just that.
The Vic Country and Dandenong co-captain is a versatile midfielder who can roam behind the ball as a line-breaking backman or shift forward and work as a forward threat.
After a busy off-season where they were able to answer a number of list needs, the Swans are in a position to select their preferred method of adding the best talent available with their first-round pick, and DeMattia could be their man at Pick 15.
Others to consider: Riley Hardeman, Will Green
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Position: Key Forward
Height: 200cm
Weight: 81kg
State: Victoria
Club: Maribyrnong Park
A bid for Croft is likely to come between Picks 10-20 during the opening night of the draft, with the Saints' selection at Pick 16 set to see Bulldogs cough up 854 draft points to secure their father-son forward.
Croft is set to join a squad already brimming with key position talent, meaning he'll be afforded time to develop his craft and gain experience against bigger bodies at Whitten Oval and in the VFL before being required at the top level.
The two-metre-tall forward is strong overhead and has a nice kicking motion that will excite Bulldogs fans.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 191cm
Weight: 85kg
State: Victoria
Club: Sandhurst
After not being selected in our first Mock Draft, Edwards finds himself as a top 20 selection in our final edition.
The tall Sandringham midfielder is a suitable pickup for the Saints, and not just because of his local links in Melbourne's south-east.
With a balance of strength and speed, and a capacity to play across half-back, Edwards will be a name high on Ross Lyon's list.
Others to consider: Koltyn Tholstrup, Ollie Murphy
*Follows previous trade
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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: Lance Collard, Archie Roberts
Position: Ruck
Height: 204cm
Weight: 93kg
State: Victoria
Club: Northcote
North Melbourne's third selection of the night and the first of three over the next four picks, the Roos will be mindful of the prospects they're keen on who may also fetch a bid from GWS at Pick 20.
The Giants are a good chance to consider a ruckman with their next selection, leaving the Kangaroos to move for Northern Knights and Vic Metro big man Will Green.
The big-bodied teenager would add to the prior selections of Dan Curtin and Zane Duursma but would likely be viewed as a long-term project player as opposed to the other two.
Others to consider: Lance Collard, Archer Reid
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Position: Forward
Height: 180cm
Weight: 65kg
State: Western Australia
Club: North Beach
The Giants' third and final selection in our Mock Draft sees them swoop on WA small forward Lance Collard after the prior selections of Allies utility James Leake and Collard's fellow statesman Riley Hardeman.
With GWS coach Adam Kingsley always wanting to add speed to his side, the Giants get exactly that in the acquisition of Collard, who is a lighting quick pressure forward out of Subiaco.
He would join the likes of Toby Greene, Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels among the Giants' small forward brigade, and would potentially allow the senior trio to push further up the field while he roams at the feet of their tall forwards.
Others to consider: Koltyn Tholstrup, Mitch Edwards
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Position: Key Defender
Height: 197cm
Weight: 86kg
State: South Australia
Club: Tanunda
The Hawks will be happy to see a bid for their father-son young gun come past the Pick 20 mark, meaning they mightn't be required to give up much more than 700 points for the South Australian defender.
The son of former Hawks backman Luke McCabe, Will is arguably the leading prospect out of SA following a breakout year where he took advantage of his own rep honours for SA while most of this year's best teenagers took part in the AFL Academy.
A strong intercept mark and smart ball user, McCabe could be a rookie who is part of Sam Mitchell's plans for Round 1 next year.
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Position: Key Forward
Height: 203cm
Weight: 94kg
State: Victoria
Club: Inverloch-Kongwak
The Roos add to their key position recruitment spree with the addition of Gippsland tall forward Archer Reid, who follows teammate Zane Duursma, ruckman Will Green and WA draft star Dan Curtin in heading to North Melbourne.
The younger brother of Bombers backman Zach Reid, Archer is a talented tall forward who could be the long-term partner for Roos spearhead Nick Larkey in attack.
After honing his ruck craft this year, Reid could also be an assisting key position talent who can pinch-hit in the middle of the field for Tristan Xerri or even Green further down the track.
Others to consider: Koltyn Tholstrup, Logan Morris
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Position: Defender
Height: 184cm
Weight: 79kg
State: Victoria
Club: Hampton Rovers
The Sandringham Dragons half-back has a great balance of speed and endurance that will have him highly ranked by AFL scouts.
With Zane Duursma the smallest player the Roos have selected so far at 189cm, their fifth and final pick sees them select the promising back flanker that is Roberts at Pick 23.
After also adding Dylan Stephens and Zac Fisher through the recent trade period, the Roos will have significantly bolstered their outside stocks for 2024.
Others to consider: Luamon Lual, Ollie Murphy
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Position: Forward
Height: 186cm
Weight: 86kg
State: Western Australia
Club: Newtown Condingup
A selection for Tholstrup could come as many as 10 spots earlier in the piece, but in this exercise he finds himself heading to the minor premiers.
The regional WA prospect has guile and X-factor that will excite Craig McRae and the Magpies faithful, with Tholstrup set to learn from some of the best small half-forwards the competition has to offer.
Collingwood's strong forward stocks will give the teenager time to hone his forward craft before looking to succeed premiership star Jamie Elliott in the black and white.
Others to consider: George Stevens, Zane Zakostelsky
Position: Ruck
Height: 206cm
Weight: 97kg
State: South Australia
Club: Willunga
The Crows will be considering a ruckman with one of their first-round picks, and after our predicted trade with GWS, they'll make their move for Goad with their last selection of the opening round.
The local 206cm project player is an intriguing prospect given his speed for a player of his size, with Goad a late bloomer after crossing from basketball to pursue Aussie Rules.
With Will Green off the board, the Crows will be weighing up Goad or Peel Thunder prospect Mitch Edwards at Pick 25 should they want to add to their ruck stocks.
Others to consider: Mitch Edwards, Zane Zakostelsky
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Position: Key Defender
Height: 200cm
Weight: 85kg
State: Victoria
Club: East Brighton
The Vic Metro MVP winner is the slider in our final edition Mock Draft, having earned selections in the teens in our past two exercises.
Murphy was taken by the Saints in our most recent Mock Draft with their opening pick, and in this case, he swaps places with Sandringham teammate Charlie Edwards to be taken 26th overall - showing just how even this year's crop is.
St Kilda will be strongly considering a key defender at the draft, and with Murphy available at this point of the count, it'll be hard for them to turn down the two-metre backman who can offer run from the backline and clean ball use.
Others to consider: Logan Morris, Ashton Moir
Position: Midfielder
Height: 182cm
Weight: 79kg
State: New South Wales
Club: Sydney University
The Swans are expecting a bid for their hard-nosed Academy prospect in the 20s or 30s, and we're predicting the Blues to force their hand right before the end of the opening round.
After their earlier selection of Harry DeMattia, the Swans will have the plans, and picks, in place to match an incoming bid for Cleary shortly after.
The Allies midfielder is one of the best contested ball winners among this year's draft class and is also among the few prospects who will be ready for a Round 1 debut in 2024.
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Position: Ruck
Height: 206cm
Weight: 89kg
State: Western Australia
Club: South Mandurah
In the final selection of the opening round, stunningly at Pick 28, the Blues bolster their ruck stocks and add to their strong WA ties with the selection of Peel Thunder tall Mitch Edwards.
Carlton will be mindful of their supporting options behind senior pairing Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning, with Alex Mirkov having battled health issues this year while rookie Hudson O'Keeffe remains an unknown quantity.
Edwards has a substantial amount of upside and potential after entering this year as a potential top five selection, with his ruck craft and mobility likely to excite Blues recruiters.
Others to consider: Tew Jiath, Ashton Moir