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.
27. Pick 27 - Sydney: Caiden Cleary (matched Academy bid)
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.
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?