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.
7. Pick 7 - Melbourne: Ryley Sanders
FULL PROFILE
Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 86kg
State: Tasmania
Club: North Launceston
The Tasmanian and Sandringham onballer is arguably the best out-and-out midfielder on offer this year and would work wonders as a depth player who gets to learn from some of the game's best in Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
Sanders is a silky mover and smart ball user who can dance his way through stoppages and be equally damaging with his defensive work rate.
After a busy trade and free agency window that saw them part with midfielders James Harmes and James Jordon, Sanders will help bolster Melbourne's engine room.
Others to consider:Â Connor O'Sullivan, Caleb Windsor
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?