AFL Draft 2023: Who your could club could consider with their first pick

If Brandon Zerk-Thatcher goes, and North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay lands elsewhere, there’s a draft bolter who screams ‘pick me’ for Essendon.

Harley Reid is no certainty to land at West Coast and could yet find his way to North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

The season is already over for 10 clubs and the AFL national draft is fast approaching.

Here are your club’s current draft picks — and who they could target with their first selections.

ADELAIDE

Current Indicative Draft Order: 9, 20, 23, 47, 83

There might be a silver lining for Adelaide in the goal review blunder, after all, with a top-10 pick strengthening an already attractive draft hand. That selection will, of course, push out further after the Gold Coast Academy selections, but it still might see the Crows in the mix for athletic, strong-marking defender Connor O’Sullivan, who has been a sharp riser this season. So much so, he could be off the board by Adelaide’s first pick, but Sandringham tall Ollie Murphy is another who would satisfy the club’s need for a key defender, while the speed and skill of Vic Country midfielder Darcy Wilson is appealing, too. Armed with three picks inside 23, could the Crows be one of the clubs that comes for Gold Coast’s pick 4? That would change things – and possibly bring top-end midfield prospects Zane Duursma and Colby McKercher into play.

BRISBANE LIONS

Current Indicative Draft Order: 26, 45, 55, 61, 91

The Lions’ first-round pick this year is held by the Western Bulldogs, having been handed over as part of the Josh Dunkley trade last year. Therefore, Brisbane’s first selection currently sits at pick 26, which will likely be pushed back to at least pick 30 after some earlier Academy and father-son bids are matched. The Lions took two top-end midfielders – Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher – in last year’s draft and have another gun midfielder available as a father-son next year in Levi Ashcroft. With that in mind, they could instead look for the best forwards or defenders still available at their first pick. The Lions also have a promising 194cm swingman available through their Academy in Patrick Snell, who has been invited to a state draft combine and could be a late or rookie pick.

CARLTON

Current Indicative Draft Order: 14, 65, 70, 88

Carlton prioritised outside run in last year’s draft, taking Ollie Hollands over WA tall Jedd Busslinger. Could the Blues look at a developing key defender this time around? Connor O’Sullivan might be off the board, but Sandringham Dragons tall Ollie Murphy may still be available when the Blues take their first pick. At 200cm, Murphy can intercept and covers the ground well, and he shapes as a long-term proposition who could develop under Jeremy Weitering. If the Blues look to bolster their outside stocks further, then Darcy Wilson could enter the frame in the teens along with Sandringham Dragons distributor Archie Roberts and Western Australian rebounder Riley Hardeman. The Blues traded their 2023 second and third round picks last year to secure Lachie Cowan and Blake Acres, so fans might be waiting a fair while between their first and second selections.

Ollie Murphy presents as a key defensive option in the first round. Picture: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

Current Indicative Draft Order: 18, 33, 74, 92

Collingwood’s first pick is currently slated at 18, but it will almost certainly be pushed back into the 20s by the Suns’ trio of first-round picks and potential father-son bids for Jordan Croft and Will McCabe. And with the draft extremely open at that stage, it is anyone’s guess who the talent-rich Pies will decide to take with their opening pick. But Collingwood is lacking key forward depth, which could bring the likes of Archer Reid and Logan Morris into play. Reid, the brother of Essendon top-10 selection Zach, is a mobile forward who can go into the ruck, while Morris is more of a third tall option with strong hands overhead. Alternatively, a small like speedy utility Harry DeMattia or the ultra-competitive forward Koltyn Tholstrup may appeal for the Pies. Collingwood isn’t afraid to take a risk, and high-flying forward Ashton Moir, who can kick 50m on both feet, presents as a player with huge upside despite an underwhelming draft year.

ESSENDON

Current Indicative Draft Order: 8, 27, 46, 67, 82

If Brandon Zerk-Thatcher goes to Port Adelaide, as expected, and North Melbourne free agent Ben McKay goes elsewhere, strong-marking Murray Bushrangers defender Connor O’Sullivan screams ‘pick me’ at Essendon’s first call. The 198cm prospect, who was MVP of the star-studded, national-championship winning Allies side, is elite in the air, a nice kick and can turn on a dime. Dynamic forward Nate Caddy would add another layer to an attack that misfired too often in 2023, while the toughness and aggression of Subiaco’s Koltyn Tholstrup would fit in nicely – although his landing spot might be somewhere in between the Bombers’ first two selections.

FREMANTLE

Current Indicative Draft Order: 21, 40, 52, 58, 79

The Dockers gave up their first two selections in this year’s draft, along with pick 13 in 2022, for Luke Jackson, so, as it stands, they won’t take part on the first night. But the second call of the second round, via North Melbourne, should still help Fremantle satisfy its needs. Justin Longmuir’s side that finished fifth in 2022 ranked 14th for points for this season, making the Dockers’ attack a good place to start. Archer Reid, the 203cm forward, and brother of Essendon defender Zach, would be hard to pass up if available, despite his rawness, while local prospects Koen Sanchez and Koltyn Tholstrup would be add something different to the front-half. Then there’s freakishly-talented Glenelg forward Ashton Moir, who was touted as a top-10 pick heading into the year, before inconsistency and injury saw his draft stocks plummet. But he might end up being the bargain of the second night.

GEELONG

Current Indicative Draft Order: 7, 81

Geelong is in a good spot to take a talented youngster at pick seven, with the potential for one of the top half-dozen to slide. The Cats went with a midfielder last year with its first pick, taking homegrown Falcons product Jhye Clark, and their on-ball brigade is an area they still need to address. However, the midfield depth isn’t as strong at the top-end of the 2023 pool. Ball-winner Ryley Sanders, a member of North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy, would be an ideal pick-up for the Cats if he isn’t part of an assistance package for North Melbourne. If he is off the open market, Geelong could look to bolster its key position depth at either end. Nate Caddy has a link to the Cats given his uncle, Josh, played 71 matches for the club, and the 192cm prospect would certainly fill a need with his marking up forward. He has also shown exciting signs as a big-bodied midfielder at Coates Talent League level. Athletic key defender Connor O’Sullivan is another who the Cats could look to partner with Sam De Koning into the future.

Nate Caddy is the nephew of former Cat Josh. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

GOLD COAST

Current Indicative Draft Order: 4, 28, 31, 42, 47, 56, 60, 65, 69, 78, 96

We know what Gold Coast is likely to do with not only its first draft pick but potentially up to four selections. The club’s first selection currently sits at pick four, but that is on the trade table given it will otherwise be swallowed up by matching Suns Academy bids. The first of those bids is likely to come for key forward Jed Walter as early as pick two or three, while mobile ruckman Ethan Read and tough inside midfielder Jake Rogers could also attract bids within the first 12 picks on draft night. The Suns also have another Academy midfielder in Will Graham, who is likely to attract a bid in the 30s or 40s. Gold Coast has already loaded up on points in this draft to give it the ability to match all these bids.

GWS

Current Indicative Draft Order: 6, 11, 49, 67, 73, 85

The Giants are the major beneficiaries of Richmond’s slump, holding a prized top 10 pick in the draft – which the Tigers gave up in the Jacob Hopper trade – despite making the finals. GWS is in a promising position to pounce on a slider at pick seven, and livewire Nick Watson would suit the Giants’ needs perfectly, adding some serious spark to their attacking 50. The mix will matter for the Giants at the top end: if they go with a small forward like Watson at seven, they are likely look for a different type of player with their other first round choice. Well stocked for talls with Harry Himmelberg committing to the club, hybrid forward-midfield option Nate Caddy is another who could appeal. Don’t be surprised to see the Giants package their selections and move up the board, as they did last year to secure the No. 1 pick. GWS also has access to academy prospect and state combine invitee Harvey Thomas, who has played three games at VFL level for the Giants this year.

Nick Watson has plenty of tricks. Picture: Getty Images

HAWTHORN

Current Indicative Draft Order: 3, 29, 48, 77, 95

The Hawks’ first selection currently sits at pick 3, but that could get pushed back to pick four or five if an early bid comes for Suns Academy key forward Jed Walter or North Melbourne receives an early free agency compensation pick for Ben McKay. Regardless, three players who would firmly come under the microscope for Hawthorn at this selection are Colby McKercher, Zane Duursma and Nick Watson. McKercher could already have been snapped up by North Melbourne, but is a talented ball-winning midfielder from Tasmania who has been likened to Essendon captain Zach Merrett. Duursma is one of the most exciting talents in this draft pool, as a medium-sized forward at 189cm who often makes everything he touches turn to gold with the X-Factor that he oozes. Watson is a lively goalkicking small forward unlike few we have seen come through the talent pathways in recent years. Hawthorn could also have access to Will McCabe, a key defender from South Australia who is eligible for the Hawks as a father-son and shapes as a potential first-round pick.

MELBOURNE

Current Indicative Draft Order: 5, 15, 24, 34, 89

As it stands, the Demons hold two of the first 15 selections in this draft. That’s because they secured Fremantle’s first-round selection last year as part of the trade that sent ruckman-forward Luke Jackson to the Dockers. There have been indications that Melbourne could package up picks to move up the order. However, if they hold onto pick five – which could become pick six or seven – it would still put them in the frame for a high-end talent. If exciting forwards Zane Duursma and Nick Watson are already off the board, the Demons could look at 192cm marking forward Nate Caddy to try and bolster their tall forward stocks into the future. If Melbourne wants to look to life after Steven May and Jake Lever, Connor O’Sullivan would also be in the mix as a big-bodied 198cm key defender who has had an outstanding season.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Current Indicative Draft Order: 2, 16, 39, 53, 59, 76, 94

They held the prized No. 1 pick for six days last week, but a win against Gold Coast on Saturday saw the Kangaroos jump West Coast on the ladder and finish the season with pick No.2. Despite that, North Melbourne is still a good chance to secure Bendigo Pioneers midfielder-forward Harley Reid. The Kangaroos may be able to orchestrate a trade with the Eagles and swap pick two for pick one, with West Coast seemingly being happy to take local talent Daniel Curtin if it had pick two. A lot hinges on whether key defender Ben McKay departs through free agency for the Roos, though. If that occurs, they could end up with two of the first three selections in the draft. A 195cm key defender who has also spent time as a midfielder this year, Curtin has been linked to North Melbourne, as has Tasmanian midfielder Colby McKercher. Rivals believe the Kangaroos could also be granted the ability to match a top-10 bid on Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders as part of a special assistance package if he is approved for the club’s Next Generation Academy.

Could the Roos end up with Harley Reid? Picture: Getty Images

PORT ADELAIDE

Current Indicative Draft Order: 37, 43, 72, 90

After trading out its first two selections in 2023 in the blockbuster trade for Jason Horne-Francis and Willie Rioli last year, the Power won’t enter the draft until late in the second round with the pick it received from GWS, via Collingwood. But that’s set to change significantly again if Port is to bring Cat Esava Ratugloea, Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and, now, maybe even Brodie Grundy through the door. If the Power does end up picking around this point in the second round, though, SA captain, and versatile, composed defender, Will Patton – who has drawn comparison to fellow West Adelaide junior Will Day – is an outside chance to still be on the board.

RICHMOND

Current Indicative Draft Order: 25, 44, 62, 80, 98

The Tigers’ first selection is most likely to be pushed to at least pick 29 after some early Academy and father-son bids are matches. It is unclear who will still be on the board at that stage, but a key forward would surely be on the shopping list after the retirement of Jack Riewoldt. Players like Victorian trio Archer Reid, Logan Morris and Luke Lloyd would all fit that bill if they made it through to Richmond’s pick. However, the Tigers would look to another position if a player they rated higher slipped through after being a potential first-round or early second-round selection.

ST KILDA

Current Indicative Draft Order: 13, 32, 51, 87

Last year’s top pick Mattaes Phillipou is a game-changer, and, if his first season is anything to go by, he’s well on his way to becoming a top-liner. St Kilda’s defence, all over the ground, is, as expected, firing on all cylinders under Ross Lyon, so another player who can turn a game in the front-half might be what they go after in the draft. As a forward, Northern Knights gun Nate Caddy fits that mould. Darcy Wilson, too, as a line-breaking runner, who kicks goals. Caleb Windsor oozes class on the outside, while, arguably, the draft pool’s best rebounding-defender Riley Hardeman, has traits that might translate to a role further up the ground.

SYDNEY

Current Indicative Draft Order: 12, 29, 31, 41, 50, 86

Sydney is crying out for key defensive depth, and there are several youngsters who could appeal around its first pick. Connor O’Sullivan may be off the board by the time they are on the clock but the Allies MVP would be just what the Swans need as an athletic 198cm defender who can intercept and be used up forward if needed. If he isn’t available, Ollie Murphy looms as the next best key back in the pool and may be available even if the Swans advance past the first week of finals. But given they are in the hunt for restricted free agent Ben McKay, the Swans could be forced to hand over their first round pick to the Roos if they decide to match their offer. The Swans have access to inside midfielder Caiden Cleary through their academy – and it’s possible a bid could fall outside both of their second round picks.

WEST COAST

Current Indicative Draft Order: 1, 19, 35, 38, 54, 57, 75

After North Melbourne’s round 23 win over Gold Coast, the No. 1 pick is back in the hands of West Coast – and does that mean Harley Reid? On talent order, yes, but the Eagles might yet use the eagerness of a Victorian club for the generational talent to its advantage. Highly-talented Claremont teenager Daniel Curtin, who has starred as a tall defender and big-bodied midfielder this year, along with fellow first-round chances from WA Riley Hardeman, Koltyn Tholstrup and Mitch Edwards, make a small slide down the order appealing for a side in need of another significant injection of young talent. The Kangaroos and Melbourne are among the clubs who might tempt the Eagles.

Jordan Croft dishes off a handball. Picture: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Current Indicative Draft Order: 10, 17, 36, 64, 66, 71, 84

The Western Bulldogs hold two first round picks, with a selection in the teens tied to Brisbane’s finishing position (currently at 17). Perhaps the most intriguing factor for Bulldogs fans is where a bid falls for father-son Jordan Croft on draft night. The athletic key forward told this publication this week that he is yet to decide whether he will nominate as a father-son, but assuming he does, a rival bid could fall between their two first round selections. Given the Dogs and well stocked for talls and midfielders as it is – even if they lose Bailey Smith – a player like running machine Darcy Wilson could appeal to fill a wing spot into the future. Alternatively, would the Western Bulldogs package their two prized picks and move up the board to pick a matchwinner like small forward Nick Watson?

Originally published as AFL Draft 2023: Who your could club could consider with their first pick