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.
8. Pick 8 - Gold Coast: Ethan Read (matched Academy bid)
FULL PROFILE
Position: Ruck
Height: 202cm
Weight: 92kg
State: Queensland
Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
The second projected Suns Academy bid of the night comes from GWS for top-rated ruckman Ethan Read, who rivals teammate Jed Walter as the premier tall in the 2023 draft class.
Read is an aerobically gifted 202cm ruckman, who ran a sub-six-minute 2km at the AFL Draft Combine and uses his running capacity to cover the ground with ease.
Can slot himself behind the ball and be an intercept marking threat, with Read set to be afforded the time to develop and add size before taking the reins from Gold Coast co-captain Jarrod Witts.
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?