Naming one draftee from every AFL team who could be in the mix for Round 1

Over a week on from the 2023 AFL Draft, discussions surrounding which new recruits are in the Round 1 mix are beginning to increase. Some of the top draft prospects from this year will firmly be in the conversation for a debut early into next year as clubs look to give their new young guns an immediate taste of top-flight football. While others won't be relying on their new draft additions, each squad has a teenager or mature-aged recruit who could be ready to make their mark on the AFL next March. Here we've looked to identify the draftee at each club who could be in the mix for a Round 1 showing in 2024. Adelaide Dan Curtin The No.8 draft pick is one of several teenagers who are ready-made for the elite level, with Curtin in particular having flourished at the WAFL this year for Claremont. The key defender played six games for the Tigers senior side in 2023, with his outing in the post-season against Subiaco a performance that stood out to Crows recruiter Hamish Ogilvie. Curtin's size, athleticism and poise are sure to have him in the mix for Round 1, while fellow first-round selection Charlie Edwards is another who Matthew Nicks could consider for an early debut. [caption id="attachment_145838" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Adelaide Crows player Dan Curtin with club great Mark Bickley at the 2023 AFL Draft (Image via the Adelaide Crows)[/caption] Brisbane Logan Morris It's unlikely any of the Lions' new recruits will be banging down the door for a Round 1 appearance, but Morris would be the leading name among the new Brisbane cubs. The medium-sized forward is well-built and mobile, with the Western Jets product a possible name to consider if Chris Fagan's forward stocks take a hit over the pre-season. Morris made his VFL debut this year for Werribee and kicked two goals for the Tigers against Footscray before suffering an injury. [caption id="attachment_138906" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Vic Metro talent Logan Morris at 2023 National Championships (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos)[/caption] Carlton Billy Wilson Tasked with training alongside Carlton's stacked midfield group, Wilson would likely find himself across the half-backline for Michael Voss if a debut was to arise. The Dandenong Stingrays star was among the leading defensive runners in the Talent League this year and would earn Team of the Year honours. Potentially looking to be nurtured into a similar role to veteran Sam Docherty, Wilson looms as the leading debut chance among Carlton's new crop. [caption id="attachment_146042" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Billy Wilson of the Blues trains during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Ikon Park on November 27, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)[/caption] Collingwood Harry DeMattia Between DeMattia and the Pies' other draft selection of Tew Jiath, the former is significantly ahead in terms of development. Also able to play across all three lines and offer both run and power, DeMattia remains a chance for a Round 1 despite the Pies commencing their premiership defence against fellow preliminary finalists GWS. Collingwood have invited a number of ex-AFL players to their pre-season program and could find instant starters via the SSP as well. [caption id="attachment_145853" align="alignnone" width="1074"] Collingwood draft recruit Harry DeMattia (image via Collingwood FC)[/caption] Essendon Nate Caddy The opportunity is there for Caddy as Brad Scott weighs up his forward mix to start the 2024 season. The Bombers will have Peter Wright and Kyle Langford leading from the front, while the decision to select multiple ruckmen will likely impact Caddy's selection chances. Should Essendon go with one ruckman, coupled with a strong pre-season from Caddy, the Vic Metro spearhead could land ahead of Harrison Jones in Scott's selection pecking order. [caption id="attachment_145884" align="alignnone" width="2048"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Nate Caddy of the Bombers poses for a photograph during the 2023 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)[/caption] Fremantle Jack Delean Another draftee who gained state league level experience during the year, with Delean representing South Adelaide on a trio of occasions in the SANFL for a return of six goals. With small forward spots up for grabs under Justin Longmuir, Delean could be a chance to face Brisbane come Round 1 next year. The Dockers could also look toward Cooper Simpson, with the explosive mid-forward featuring for Casey in the VFL this year where he collected a dozen disposals. [caption id="attachment_143647" align="alignnone" width="2560"] (L-R) Australia representatives Kane McAuliffe, Ashton Moir, Will Patton and Jack Delean with Port Adelaide's Jed Hagan. Photo: Keryn Stevens[/caption] Geelong Shaun Mannagh Mannagh was a big talking point out of the AFL Draft, with the 26-year-old now getting his chance at the elite level after a stellar campaign with Werribee. The Cats wouldn't have moved for Mannagh if they didn't have him in their plans for 2024, with the exciting midfield-forward hybrid a strong chance to line up against St Kilda in Round 1. With spots up for grabs in midfield at Kardinia Park, Mannagh looms as a strong chance to make his debut early next year. [caption id="attachment_146041" align="alignnone" width="1065"] Geelong Cats player Shaun Mannagh at training, 2023 (Image via Geelong FC)[/caption] Gold Coast Jed Walter The big-bodied key forward was the only one of the Suns' four first-round picks who didn't play in the VFL this year, with Walter missing out due to injury. The No.3 draft pick already has the size to go toe-to-toe with AFL-level defenders next year, with Damien Hardwick likely keen to see Walter pair with Ben King in his attacking third. Fellow Academy selections Jake Rogers and Will Graham could also get a look next year, as might mature-aged recruit Sam Clohesy and former North Melbourne forward Jack Mahony. [caption id="attachment_138909" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Gold Coast talent Jed Walter in the 2023 Coates Talent League (Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos)[/caption] GWS Phoenix Gothard The Giants were keen to acquire Gothard at the top end of the draft and went on to select the Albury product with their opening selection of Pick 12. The small forward could be ready for AFL football early next year when the Giants face Collingwood and North Melbourne to start their new season, with a debut more likely to come against the latter. Category B selection Nathan Wardius has proven to be a high-volume goalkicker at the local level against senior opposition, while Tasmanian James Leake is another who could fetch a debut early into 2024. Hawthorn Nick Watson Despite his 170cm standing, Watson is ready to make his mark on the AFL. Full of guile and attitude, the Eastern Ranges attacker will be chomping at the bit to be unleashed in Sam Mitchell's side and is sure to put the effort in over the pre-season to make his case known. Father-son selection Will McCabe could also be in consideration for the Hawks if Mitchell is looking to experiment with his back third to start the new season. Melbourne Koltyn Tholstrup The Subiaco half-forward played 10 WAFL games for the Lions this year, booting 7.10 and averaging 2.4 tackles per game as a pressure forward. Tholstrup didn't look out of place at senior level and will be looking to prove his value in the red and blue as he sets his sights on an early season debut in his rookie year. Fellow first-round pick Caleb Windsor could also break into Simon Goodwin's side early next year, with his ball smarts and pace set to see the wingman stand out among this year's intake. [caption id="attachment_143195" align="alignnone" width="1303"] Subiaco draft talent Koltyn Tholstrup in the WAFL 2023 (Image via Subiaco Lions Instagram)[/caption] North Melbourne Colby McKercher The Roos will have five more first-round picks to consider for selection next year, but McKercher is the standout option among the club's 2023 draft class. A midfielder with polish, speed and a good IQ, the Tasmanian shouldn't look too fussed at the top level early into his career. Much like Harry Sheezel this year, McKercher could be deployed in a new role to start his career, perhaps across half-back like the Sandringham Dragons star did in 2023. Fellow top-five selection Zane Duursma could also feature in Round 1 against the Giants next year, while Wil Dawson has the size to also compete. [caption id="attachment_139758" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Allies draft talent Colby McKercher (Image via Graham Denholm/AFL Photos)[/caption] Port Adelaide Tom Anastasopoulos The Power acquired a quartet of late/rookie draft selections and are unlikely to rely on any of their new teens to start the 2024 season, but Anastasopoulos is one who could be ready for a call-up if required. The Geelong Falcons small forward is agile and offers strong pressure work in attack, which would've stood out to Port Adelaide's recruitment team this year. Potentially looking at some run or promise, Lachie Charleson or Will Lorenz could also be in the mix. http://gty.im/1534534408 Richmond Kane McAuliffe The North Adelaide midfielder split his 2023 campaign at the U18s and Reserves levels for the Roosters this year, playing seven matches at the latter level to average 18.7 disposals, 6.6 tackles and 4.1 clearances per game. A strong presence in midfield with some explosiveness on his side, McAuliffe might be an outside chance for a Round 1 showing but don't rule him out. With new forward Liam Fawcett battling glandular fever to start his time at Punt Road, McAuliffe is the standout draftee for Round 1 conversations. [caption id="attachment_145928" align="alignnone" width="1439"] Richmond Tigers draftee Kane McAuliffe at pre-season training, 2023 (Image via Richmond FC)[/caption] St Kilda Lance Collard The Saints will have a trio of young outside runners to weigh up at selection next year after adding Collard, Darcy Wilson and Angus Hastie with their first three picks at the National Draft. A role in Ross Lyon's front third could be on offer to Collard, who might be viewed as the leading debut chance over the likes of Wilson or Hastie. The quick and crafty attacker could slot into the void left by Jade Gresham at half-forward as a link-up player across the front half of the field for St Kilda. [caption id="attachment_144931" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 06: Lance Collard (Subiaco) participates in the 2km time trial during the 2023 AFL National Draft Combine at AIA Centre on October 06, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Caiden Cleary The Swans' Academy graduate has proven to be a contested bull at the coalface, and while spots will be hard to come by in midfield, Cleary could slot into a more attacking role for Sydney. The teenager played six games for the Swans' VFL outfit this year and collected 22 disposals on two occasions while also having an impact on the scoreboard. Ruckman Will Green will need time to develop his craft before being used at AFL level, but father-son pick Indhi Kirk could give Cleary a run for the first debut following his own efforts in the VFL this year. http://gty.im/1476068630 West Coast Harley Reid The No.1 pick is arguably the most ready-made talent that has come through the draft for some time, with Reid's physicality and explosiveness set to be on show come Round 1 next year. There's a good chance Reid goes head-to-head with 2021 top draft selection and midfield bull Jason Horne-Francis to start his AFL career, while the Eagles could also deploy their new young star in defence or as a forward option. Big-bodied midfielder Clay Hall could also feature in the early stages of the 2024 season after showing promise across nine games for WAFL club Peel Thunder this year. [caption id="attachment_145798" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Harley Reid is seen with Nic Naitanui after being selected at number one by West Coast Eagles during the 2023 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)[/caption] Western Bulldogs Ryley Sanders The Tasmanian won't be a walkup start for Luke Beveridge's midfield but he's a strong chance to slot into the Dogs' best 23 to open the new season. The 2023 Larke Medal winner is a clean ball user and high accumulator who will look to translate his National Championships dominance to the top level next year. A role across half-forward or on the wing could be on offer to Sanders as he begins his career in the red, white and blue. [caption id="attachment_145901" align="alignnone" width="2048"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Ryley Sanders of the Bulldogs poses for a photograph during the 2023 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	COLL	16	14	2	56	139
2	BL	16	11	4	46	114.7
3	ADEL	16	11	5	44	138.2
4	GEEL	16	11	5	44	132.3
5	HAW	16	11	5	44	118.9
6	WB	16	10	6	40	133.2
7	GC	15	10	5	40	122.5
8	GWS	16	10	6	40	112

Naming one draftee from every AFL team who could be in the mix for Round 1

Which draft addition at your club could be in line for an early debut?

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