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
27. Pick 27 - Carlton: Mitch Edwards
Position: Ruck
Height: 206cm
Weight: 89kg
State: Western Australia
Club: South Mandurah
After investing in Hudson O'Keeffe earlier this year, the Blues could look toward another ruckman via the National Draft, with fringe tall Alex Mirkov battling health concerns this year to be sidelined for an extended period.
Edwards, a Fremantle NGA talent, is among the top line of ruckmen in this year's draft and would add to the strong WA links at Princes Park if he were to join Carlton.
The WA tall started this as a potential top 10 selection but has since slipped to now be attainable toward the back end of the first round or early into the second.
Another to consider:Â Tew Jiath
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