The 2023 AFL Draft is near, and with the draft orderย locked in until night one of the count, recruiters and scouts are beginning to settle on their plans for this year's intake.

The opening night will see the entire set of first-round selections taken, with the current 22 picks potentially ballooning out to 28 selections following Academy and father-son bids.

North Melbourne have five selections for the first round, while West Coast are in line to open the draft with Pick 1 and are assumed to have Bendigo's Harley Reid in their sights.

So how will the entire first round play out at the 2023 AFL Draft?

Here isย Zero Hanger'sย second edition Mock Draft, which covers the first round of the draft - totalling 28 selections.

For the purpose of this exercise, we have decided not to predict live trades for the draft, with the order remaining as it currently reads with the addition of matched Academy and father-son bids.ย 

This exercise follows our first edition Mock Draft from October, with our second edition set to look at possible alternative selections for a range of clubs and showcase the ripple effect of those changes.ย 

8. Pick 8 - Melbourne: Connor O'Sullivan

O'Sullivan's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Pick 10 (Geelong)
Melbourne's 1st Mock Draft Selection:ย Ryley Sanders

Position: Key Defender
Height: 198cm
Weight: 92kg
State: New South Wales
Club: Albury

After looking at the already-taken Sanders in our first Mock Draft, the Demons turn their attention to Allies defender Connor O'Sullivan as part of the flow-on effect.

Perhaps long-term planning for the potential departure of Harrison Petty or further insurance behind start pair Steven May and Jake Lever, O'Sullivan could be best suited to a side that won't require him at the elite level in 2024 and could thrive from afforded patience.

Like Petty, O'Sullivan is a formidable key defender who has no issue being swung into attack where he can have an equally high impact.

FULL PROFILE

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Connor O'Sullivan of the Allies during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on June 11, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

1 COMMENT

  1. Well, I certainly hope this is NOT the case….

    Goad rather than Green. – he has much more room for improvement and is better athletically – and he is not shy of attempting goals.

    I’d not think it wise to pick a Tasmanian who will very possibly end up in the new club there, and it’s always better for the crows to pick locals rather than Victorians.

    This draft is by a Victorian who thinks that the Crows are based in Melbourne.

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