Welcome to Zero Hanger's third and final 2023 AFL Mock Draft, where we'll cover the entire opening round of selections - predicted to be 28 picks in total.
Following our first and second Mock Drafts, this edition will take live trading into consideration and will look to select a balance of list needs and best available talent.
The opening round of the draft is set to see a suite of Academy and father-son bids lodged, meaning the order will shuffle significantly within the opening 30 selections.
The current first-round order falls between Pick 1 and 22, with the latter selection expected to balloon out to 28th overall following matched bidding.
Our final edition Mock Draft consists of ONE live trade, which includes a trio of 2023 first-round selections.
SEE ALSO: 2023 AFL MOCK DRAFT - FIRST EDITION
SEE ALSO: 2023 AFL MOCK DRAFT - SECOND EDITION
So, without further ado, here is Zero Hanger's FINAL Mock Draft of 2023.
14. Pick 14 - Gold Coast: Jake Rogers (matched Academy bid)
FULL PROFILE
Position: Midfielder
Height: 170cm
Weight: 68kg
State: Queensland
Club: Broadbeach
The third and final Suns Academy bid we're projecting in the first round, with Rogers to join the aforementioned Walter and Read in committing to Carrara.
The Broadbeach onballer will have a fitting mentor on offer in Touk Miller, with Rogers a similar player and build to the Suns co-captain given his defensive-minded midfield strengths.
The Suns will have the calculator out all night as they look to ensure they can match a trio of Academy bids within the top 15 as well as planning for another impending bid on Will Graham later into the count.
The idea that Adelaide would trade picks 10 and 14 in order to get pick 9 – stupid past imbecility stupid.
If the recruitment staff did that they’d have some bloody hard explaining to do.
It ranks right up there with giving two first round picks for Gibbs – when he was what 30?