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
25. Pick 25 - Adelaide: Will Green
Position: Ruck
Height: 204cm
Weight: 93kg
State: Victoria
Club: Northcote
The Crows may look to add some youthful ruck support behind first-string tall Reilly O'Brien and the fledgling Riley Thilthorpe, with Green arguably the leading ruck prospect available in the first round.
Gold Coast Academy talent Ethan Read claimed the starting role in the National Championships Team of the Year, but Green would feature on the interchange following his strong carnival for Vic Metro.
The Northern Knights ruckman averaged 12 disposals, 24 hitouts and three tackles during the carnival and would record similar figures from his 13 Talent League games this year also.
Another to consider:Â Mitch Edwards
