AFL news: Full list of players invited to 2023 Draft Combine revealed

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan says the Draft Combine provides another opportunity for players to showcase their ability. So which prospects have been invited along? See the full list here.

AFL Draft Combine: Players picked.

More than 60 of the best junior footballers in Australia will be put to the test in front of AFL recruiters in what will help solve the final piece of the draft puzzle in October.

The league confirmed the list, based on nominations provided by AFL clubs, of the top prospects invited to show their wares at this year’s draft combine that will take place the weekend after the grand final.

Vic Metro, again, leads the way, with 16 invitees, headlined by expected top-10 pick Nick Watson.

But underlining the talent of the under-18-championship-winning Allies side, Colby McKercher, Ryley Sanders and Jed Walter are among 13 players - up from 10 last year - nominated from NSW-ACT, Tasmania, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

South Australia bolter Taylor Goad, who has been described as “something that the AFL might not have seen for a while’’ by Port Adelaide premiership ruckman Dean Brogan, is one of seven Croweaters who will make the trip over to Melbourne for the testing which begins on Friday, October 6.

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan said the 2023 AFL Draft Combine provided another opportunity for players to showcase their ability ahead of this year’s AFL Draft.

“The players invited to the 2023 AFL Draft Combine are considered by AFL club recruiters to be among the top prospects in this year’s draft pool.” Sheehan said.

“The Combine will provide these young stars another opportunity to display their physical attributes during athletic testing. It also gives AFL clubs the opportunity to gain a better insight into each player during interviews.

“In many ways the Combine is the final piece of the puzzle ahead of the upcoming AFL Draft.”

The AFL also confirmed a further 20 players have received enough interest from clubs to attend state-based draft combines, with that number set to increase before the end of the season.

Originally published as AFL news: Full list of players invited to 2023 Draft Combine revealed