The 2023 AFL Draft is near, and with the draft order locked in until night one of the count, recruiters and scouts are beginning to settle on their plans for this year's intake.

The opening night will see the entire set of first-round selections taken, with the current 22 picks potentially ballooning out to 28 selections following Academy and father-son bids.

North Melbourne have five selections for the first round, while West Coast are in line to open the draft with Pick 1 and are assumed to have Bendigo's Harley Reid in their sights.

So how will the entire first round play out at the 2023 AFL Draft?

Here is Zero Hanger's second edition Mock Draft, which covers the first round of the draft - totalling 28 selections.

For the purpose of this exercise, we have decided not to predict live trades for the draft, with the order remaining as it currently reads with the addition of matched Academy and father-son bids. 

This exercise follows our first edition Mock Draft from October, with our second edition set to look at possible alternative selections for a range of clubs and showcase the ripple effect of those changes. 

23. Pick 23 - North Melbourne: Archer Reid

Reid's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Pick 22 (North Melbourne)
North Melbourne's 1st Mock Draft Selection: Archie Roberts

Position: Key Forward
Height: 203cm
Weight: 94kg
State: Victoria
Club: Inverloch-Kongwak

Reid still finds his way to North Melbourne but falls a spot later in the draft and will again link up with Gippsland teammate Archer Reid in adding to Alastair Clarkson's front third.

The younger brother of Essendon's Zach Reid, Archer is one of the leading key forwards within this year's draft class and can also play as a supporting ruckman after expanding his portfolio this year in the Talent League.

With a partner for Nick Larkey still needed at the Roos, Archer could be that man as Duursma complements as a third-tall option.

FULL PROFILE

AFL draft prospect Archer Reid for the 2023 AFL Academy side against Carlton's VFL team (Image via Coates Talent League/AFL Photos)

1 COMMENT

  1. Well, I certainly hope this is NOT the case….

    Goad rather than Green. – he has much more room for improvement and is better athletically – and he is not shy of attempting goals.

    I’d not think it wise to pick a Tasmanian who will very possibly end up in the new club there, and it’s always better for the crows to pick locals rather than Victorians.

    This draft is by a Victorian who thinks that the Crows are based in Melbourne.

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