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.Â
VIEW: FULL 2023 AFL DRAFT ORDER
18. Pick 18 - Adelaide: Riley Hardeman
Position: Defender
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
State: Western Australia
Club: Caversham
The captain of Western Australia for their National Championships carnival, Hardeman was among the few standouts for the Sandgropers in their one-win campaign.
The Caversham defender offers plenty of run out of the backline and relies on his accurate, long kicking to get this side back on the front foot from the defensive third.
Hardeman averaged 22.1 disposals for Swans' Colts this season to show off his ball-winning nous.
Another to consider:Â Harry DeMattia
