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
24. Pick 24 - Collingwood: Harry DeMattia
Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 78kg
State: Victoria
Club: Edithvale-Aspendale
A midfield bull might be what the Magpies are after as they plan toward continuously rejuvenating a premiership list for the years to come, with Taylor Adams' departure and the eventual retirements of Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Tom Mitchell also add to the need to add to their engine room.
DeMattia is just that with his explosiveness and strength offering plenty of of upside in the Dandenong Stingray midfielder's game.
While not a high accumulator, DeMattia can win the ball and work it to the outside while offering plenty of strengths on the defensive end.
Another to consider:Â Logan Morris
