The AFL has announced the No.1 selection at the men's National Draft will be recognised with the Allen Aylett Medal following the passing of the North Melbourne visionary last year.

Aylett was a key figure and influence on the Kangaroos and the game beyond his 220 appearances in the blue and white between 1952-1964, having been elected President at Arden Street less than a decade from his retirement to help steer the club to its inaugural flag in 1975.

Two years later Aylett would be named as the competition's chief executive as North Melbourne claimed its second premiership, holding his place at league HQ until 1984 before returning to his beloved club as President earlier this century.

At the North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast on Saturday morning, AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder revealed Aylett's name will honoured going forward as each male No.1 draft selection will be presented with the Allen Aylet Medal.

โ€œAllen was the first key driver to the building of a national competition and his vision was to take our game to every part of the country,โ€ Mr Goyder said.

โ€œAllen was truly great โ€“ Team of the Century, Tassie Medallist, carnival All Australian, multiple Best and Fairest Winner and member of the Hall of Fame โ€“ and his time as an administrator saw many of the initiatives begun that are now pillars of our game's success.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 11: Former Chairman of the VFL Allen Aylett arrives for the service in celebration of the life of Jill Lindsay held in the Olympic Room at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 11, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. Lindsay was the longest serving employee of the AFL and the only woman acknowledged with life membership. (Photo by Mark Dadswell/Getty Images)

โ€œIn a year in which we celebrated eight million attendees for the first time, and more than a million people sign up as members of our club, our game can thank Dr Allen Aylett for where we are today.โ€

This year's draft class has been headlined by Bendigo Pioneers talent Harley Reid, who looms as the likely prospect to be first called at the 2023 AFL Draft in November. West Coast currently holds the opening selection for this year's count.

The National Draft will take place across two nights, with the first round of selections being held on Monday, November 20 before the following selections are counted the next night.

The AFL has also revealed the league is working with the family of recently passed great Ron Barrassi for a fitting tribute to the V/AFL legend.