AFL Draft 2023 Day 1: All the late mail, news and every pick from the first round
Charlie Curnow 2.0? The Bombers made a bold move to get their man on Monday night – and they weren’t the only club to shake things up. See every pick, all the shocks from the first round.
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Essendon has found the powerhouse goal kicker designed to fill a missing link in attack after trading up in the draft order to secure Northern Knights’ jet Nate Caddy.
The Bombers gave up pick 31 to Geelong to move up the order from No. 11 to 10 and snatch Caddy as part of a plan to bolster the scoring power in the front half with their top choice.
Caddy booted 25 goals from nine matches in the Coates League this year with his explosiveness, aerial strength and ability to have a physical impact in the midfield drawing comparisons to Carlton superstar Charlie Curnow and Bombers’ game breaker Jake Stringer.
And the pair could join forces in the red and black from Round 1 next season with Essendon set to field up to as many as five new faces for the first round clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY PICK, ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENED
After two decades without a finals win, the Bombers have clearly signalled their desire to climb the ladder under Brad Scott after a super trade period landing stopper Ben McKay, livewire Jade Gresham, ruck Todd Goldstein and wingman Xavier Duursma.
Yarrambat’s Caddy, who is the nephew of Richmond premiership ballwinner Josh Caddy, said he thought he was headed to Geelong until the Bombers handed over pick 31 to leapfrog the Cats.
Caddy, who averaged 16 touches and six marks this season, and ran 3.02 seconds for 20m and 6 min 35 seconds for 2km at the Draft Combine, said he relied on multiple weapons to hit the scoreboard.
“I’m a bit of an undersized key forward, but I like to be a hard match-up,” Caddy said.
“If they are bigger than me than hopefully my speed (is an advantage) but if they are smaller than me I want to be stronger than them and out body them.”
List boss Adrian Dodoro said the club was “looking for another big forward” on night one of the draft and planned to take up to two more players on Tuesday night.
Dodoro said Caddy was “an extroverted guy” who could “attract the ball” and was worth the second-round pick they also gave to the Cats.
“We knew the Cats were going to think about him or (Connor) O’Sullivan and the ball was firmly in their court so we just gave them a sweetener,” Dodoro said.
“We got the player we wanted.
“Nate is a boy who won’t die wondering, he is a big solid young man who will be a big boy; he wants the moment, and just talking to him he has got the desire and enthusiasm to play straight away.”
Aside from Adelaide’s pick swap with GWS Giants to claim West Australian defender Daniel Curtin, the Bombers’ trade with Geelong was the only deal struck inside the top-10 of the national draft.
Melbourne also addressed a need to improve its forward half game and sharpen its delivery and scoring power in attack as part of a draft loaded with hybrid midfield-forwards.
The Demons landed slick and speedy wingman Caleb Windsor with pick seven and dynamite 186cm forward Koltyn Tholstrup at 13 to form an explosive combination with Kysaiah Pickett.
This masthead revealed last week Demons’ gun recruiting manager Jason Taylor made the 8000km round trip to Esperance in south Western Australia to interview Tholstrup and his parents.
Taylor said the duo would help the connection forward.
“He (Tholstrup) has got an aerial game, a ground game and he can mark it,” Taylor said.
“We think they can add a different dynamic, if you like.
“We wanted to add a little bit of speed in the middle of the ground and Caleb provides that and Koltyn at the moment is a medium forward but has the ability down the track to go through the midfield.”
RECAP EVERY PICK, ALL COLOUR AS IT HAPPENED
– Jordan Pinto and Dan Batten
Pick 29 Carlton – Ashton Moir
Forward, Glenelg, 187cm, 85kg
And to complete the first round, Carlton have given the sublimely talented Glenelg forward Ashton Moir a chance. Was billed as a top-10 prospect this time last year but Moir slid after an inconsistent 2023. He has plenty of talent, kicking so well on both sides that he doesn’t have a preferred foot. Some believe he can play across half-back at the next level.
Pick 28 St Kilda – Lance Collard
Forward, Subiaco, 180cm, 65kg
The Saints would’ve been happy to see Collard’s name still on the board at the second last pick of the night. Collard shot up draft boards after a string of dazzling displays later in the season, kicking bags of goals for Subiaco. A West Coast academy graduate but didn’t make it to the pick 40 cutoff point.
Pick 27 Adelaide – Oscar Ryan
Defender, Murray Bushrangers, 187cm, 77kg
A surprise the Crows to finish their night, with Ryan another who had to borrow a teammates polo shirt to go on stage. “It’s a massive shock for me,” the rebounding defender said after he was presented his Crows jumper by coach Matthew Nicks. Bringing great run and bounce off half-back but can also lock down on opponents, Ryan is arguably the biggest bolter of the first round.
First it was Phoenix Gothard who needed an outfit change, next it's his Murray Bushrangers teammate in Oscar Ryan who gets a huge #AFLDraft surprise! pic.twitter.com/9lpO3dwIPf
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2023
Pick 26 Gold Coast – Will Graham
Matching Adelaide’s bid
Midfielder-defender, Suns Academy, 186cm, 81kg
That makes it four first-round Academy selection for the Suns. Graham hasn’t received the same spotlight as Walter, Read and Rogers but he’s highly rated by many. Has been used as a defender and a midfielder across a variety of different levels, including for Gold Coast’s VFL side before showing his impressive athleticism at the draft combine.
Pick 25 Collingwood – Harry DeMattia
Utility, Dandenong Stingrays, 184cm, 77kg
A former national under-19 cricketer before choosing footy, DeMattia has played all over the ground this season. Will provide Collingwood with great versatility, dash and strong leadership qualities.
"Hopefully be part of back-to-back!"
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2023
Harry DeMattia is going to be a @collingwoodfc favourite from day one 🤩#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/A9vSDhBrkN
Pick 24 Sydney – Caiden Cleary
Matching Collingwood’s bid
Midfielder, Swans Academy, 182cm, 79kg
The Swans would have been hoping to receive a bid later in the draft for Cleary, but they were always matching. An inside midfielder that wins it in the clinches, Cleary tackles like his life depends on it.
Pick 23 North Melbourne – Riley Hardeman
Defender, Swan Districts, 185cm, 75kg
North round’s off its huge draft haul with a fifth first-round selection. Hardeman is a rebounding defender with great speed, who can win the ball back off the opposition with his reading of the play. The WA captain was named in the under-18 All-Australian side.
Pick 22 North Melbourne – Wil Dawson
Utility, Gippsland Power, 200cm, 86kg
One of the youngest players in the draft pool, not turning 18 until December, the tall has played all over the ground this season. North Melbourne has long been a fan.
Pick 21 Adelaide – Charlie Edwards
Mid-def, Sandringham Dragons, 191cm, 85kg
With Goad off the board, Adelaide has got the height in the midfield it was looking in Sandringham bolter Edwards. The 191cm teenager bolted up draft boards after an eye-catching finish to the year for the Dragons as a midfielder. He has great size, breakway speed and can also be used off half-back.
Pick 20 North Melbourne – Taylor Goad
Ruck, South Adelaide, 206cm, 97kg
A pick before the Crows, who have long been linked with the local product, North Melbourne has swooped on Goad, who possesses freakish speed for a player his size, running the 20m sprint in under three seconds at the combine. Has exciting upside as a ruckman who is relatively new to the game.
Pick 19 Hawthorn – Will McCabe
Matching North Melbourne’s bid
Key defender, Central District, 197cm, 86kg
A nimble key defender who is a great kick of the footy, McCabe will add to Hawthorn’s key defensive stocks. The South Australian is the son of Hawks defender Luke.
Pick 18 St Kilda – Darcy Wilson
Midfielder-forward, Murray Bushrangers, 176cm, 74kg
Wilson’s speed-endurance mix is as good as any in this year’s pool, and he can provide forward half impact from a wing or as a half forward – just what St Kilda need.
Pick 17 GWS – James Leake
Defender-forward, Tasmania Devils, 187cm, 77kg
The Giants will happy to secure Leake, who had interest around the top 10, at this point. The versatile talent backed up an impressive national carnival as a defender with game-changing displays up forward. Has vice-like hands overhead and plenty of power
Pick 16 Sydney – Will Green
Ruck, Northern Knights, 204cm, 93kg
After two bids, the Swans have taken their No. 1 ruckman of the future. Green is athletic and clean below his knees, allowing him to impact at ground level as well as win hitouts. The Knights product will take some time as he builds size.
Wore his best socks for the night 😉 pic.twitter.com/i41tldQeav
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) November 20, 2023
Pick 15 Western Bulldogs – Jordan Croft
Matching Sydney’s bid
Key forward, Calder Cannons, 201cm, 81kg
Back-to-back bids from the Swans has forced the Western Bulldogs to match a bid for the son of 186-game Bulldog Matthew here. Croft has hops, takes grabs and is an elite runner, an eye-catching combination for a player his size. Another developing tall to add to the Bulldogs’ key stocks.
Pick 14 Gold Coast – Jake Rogers
Matching Sydney’s bid
Midfielder, Suns Academy, 171cm, 69kg
This zippy and super clean talent draws similarities to Touk Miller, and he will join him at the Suns next year. Was best on ground for the AFL Academy against Carlton’s VFL side.
Kolstyn has cult written all over him 🤙#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/TyneMb0ypI
— The DeeBrief (@The_DeeBrief) November 20, 2023
Pick 13 Melbourne – Koltyn Tholstrup
Forward-midfielder, Subiaco, 186cm, 86kg
The Dees made the long trip to the Tholstrup family home in regional WA recently and have nabbed the aggressive prospect with their second pick. He brings x-factor on and off the field, and he is sure to be a fan favourite with his 1980s style curly mullet. Has impressed against men in the WAFL this season.
Pick 12 GWS – Phoenix Gothard
Forward, Murray Bushrangers, 178cm, 72kg
Another draft surprise from the Giants! Gothard wasn’t even going to attend the first night and his parents were called in at the very last minute. The crafty small forward even had to borrow Bushrangers teammate Connor O’Sullivan’s polo shirt. Gothard works hard up the ground and can weave his way out of traffic with ease. Well suited to the modern game.
One of the greatest moments we've seen in the #AFLDraft 👀
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2023
What an amazing moment for Phoenix Gothard! pic.twitter.com/UXNz9xwVVv
Pick 11 Geelong – Connor O’Sullivan
Key defender, Murray Bushrangers, 198cm, 92kg
After a live trade with Essendon, the Cats have filled the void left by Esava Ratugolea, taking Murray Bushrangers defender O’Sullivan, who is a hulking tall with strong hands overhead and elite running capacity. From a basketball background, the Albury product has the size to play at senior level next year.
Pick 10 Essendon – Nate Caddy
Key forward, Northern Knights, 193cm, 88kg
The Bombers have traded up to secure the player who will bring a much needed new dynamic to their forward half. Caddy brings excitement and power as an athletic and powerful forward who can impact in the air and at ground level. The nephew of three-club player Josh.
Live trade
Essendon gets pick 10 from Geelong in exchange for picks 11 and 31
Pick 9 Gold Coast – Ethan Read
Matching Geelong’s bid
Ruck, Suns Academy, 202cm, 92kg
Gold Coast has matched Geelong’s bid to secure a second top-10 academy gun. Read finished third in the 2km time trial at the draft combine, showing his freakish running ability for a player his size. A high-possession winner in the mould of Tim English and could be used at either end.
Pick 8 Adelaide – Daniel Curtin
Key defender, Claremont, 197cm, 95kg
The pick that shaped the first round, with the Crows winning the race for GWS’ pick, as reported by this masthead. Curtin turned games as a defender and also played through the midfield and up forward this year. Also impressed in the WAFL late in the season and he gives Adelaide the key defender it needs.
Live trade
Crows get picks 8 and 17 from GWS in exchange for picks 11, 15 and a future second-round selection.
Adelaide has made a big live trade to swoop in on gun West Australian key defender Daniel Curtin.
After the first seven picks went as many predicted, the Crows made the huge trade to select the player claimed to be the best talent of WA in some years.
The trade saw the Crows trade two of its first round picks and a future second round selection to the Giants to jump ahead of Geelong and Essendon to select Curtin.
As the clock ticked closer to the number one pick being selected rival clubs believed the Crows had trumped the Eagles, Melbourne and Essendon for GWS’ first selection of the draft.
The Crows did more work on Curtin over the weekend as their bid to secure the Giants pick gathered momentum.
Pick 7 Melbourne – Caleb Windsor
Midfielder, Eastern Ranges, 185cm, 74kg
It’s all going to script so far with Melbourne taking Windsor as tipped this week but what happens next?
A draft bolter in the second half of the year, Windsor is a smooth mover as an outside midfielder who is an elite kick and has a burst of speed.
Pick 6 Western Bulldogs – Ryley Sanders
Midfielder, Sandringham Dragons/Tasmania, 185cm, 86kg
The Launceston product boarded in Melbourne over the past two years and is a ready-made midfielder who finds the footy at will. Won the Larke Medal as the best player at the national champs.
Pick 5 Hawthorn – Nick Watson
Forward, Eastern Ranges, 170cm, 68kg
Watson is the epitome of a livewire. He can kicks goals from all angles and can stand on heads. Booted 70 majors across all competitions this year and it’s no wonder clubs are overlooking his height. Will form an exciting new-look Hawthorn forward line alongside Jack Ginnivan.
Pick 4 North Melbourne – Zane Duursma
Midfielder/Forward, Gippsland Power, 189cm, 79kg
As exciting a prospect as there is in this draft, everything Duursma touches across half-forward often turns to gold. If he can he become a full-time midfielder in the future, North Melbourne has nailed it.
Live trade
St Kilda get pick 27 from Melbourne in exchange for pick 42 and a future third-round selection
Bit happening in our war room #AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/TgJklJIGbk
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) November 20, 2023
Pick 3 Gold Coast – Jed Walter
Matching North Melbourne’s bid
Key forward, Suns Academy, 194cm, 97kg
In no surprise, North Melbourne has made an early bid on the Gold Coast Academy star. A key forward who can mark like Charlie Curnow and chase like Charlie Cameron is rare. Walter is capable of having an impact from the get-go in the Suns’ forward line.
Pick 2 North Melbourne – Colby McKercher
Midfielder, Tasmania Devils, 180cm, 76kg
McKercher is the full package as a midfielder: he has speed, class, kicks goals and finds the footy for fun. The Tasmanian ball-magnet starred at the national championships.
7.24pm: Hawks plot top-10 raid
– Sam Landsberger
Hawthorn is plotting a bold plan to secure three gun teenagers tonight that would turbocharge Sam Mitchell’s rebuild.
The Hawks are certain to draft a young gun at No.4 – most likely Nick Watson – and will complement that by matching a bid for father-son prospect Will McCabe.
But the Hawks have spent this afternoon on the phone to clubs asking if they would trade another top 10 pick for Hawthorn’s first-round pick in next year’s draft.
It’s believed that would be to secure key defender Connor O’Sullivan. The Hawks would have to strike a trade with the Giants or Cats for O’Sullivan, given he has serious interest from Essendon at the next pick.
Should the Hawks secure Watson, McCabe and O’Sullivan it would load them with young talent after nabbing Cameron Mackenzie and Josh Weddle last year.
Pick 1 West Coast – Harley Reid
Mid-fwd, Bendigo Pioneers, 187cm, 85kg
Reid has the fend-off and gamebreaking impact of Richmond superstar Dustin Martin. The Tongala talisman is so highly-touted that clubs offered several first round picks for him but the Eagles held firm.
To celebrate the selection of Reid, who is already a PUMA athlete, PUMA built a monster hay bale outside AFL house in an ode to Reid’s home town of Tongala, known for its creativity, art and famous ‘Hay Bale Trail’
What a moment for Harley Reid as he gets presented the number nine guernsey from Nic Naitanui â¤ï¸#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/3WOzi1IzPQ
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2023
Live trade
Brisbane gets pick 24. Gold Coast gets picks 30, 51, 54, and 65. St Kilda gets pick 27. Gold Coast gets picks 40 and 42.
Have Crows trumped Eagles for pick 7, Curtin?
– Jordan Pinto and Simeon Thomas-Wilson
Adelaide’s bid for GWS’ pick 7 and potentially Daniel Curtin, is gaining momentum.
With less than an hour before West Coast is on the clock with the first selection in the 2023 national draft, rivals believe Adelaide may have trumped the Eagles – and Essendon and Melbourne – in a deal which will see the Giants and Crows swap first round picks.
Providing, as now widely expected, the standout WA prospect gets past the Kangaroos, Hawks, Bulldogs and Demons, the Crows could pounce on the key defender they need – that’s if they don’t move the pick themselves.
It’s understood Adelaide could also go after West Coast’s future first-round selection.
The versatile Curtin is the centrepiece of the first night – which begins at Marvel Stadium at 7pm – after this masthead revealed West Coast had offered its future first-round pick to GWS if he slides to pick 7.
Essendon and Melbourne have also made a move for the versatile teenager, if he gets through.
After Alastair Clarkson spent more than two hours at Curtin’s home in Perth on Sunday, could the Roos spring a late surprise and let Zane Duursma through instead?
We’ll find out soon enough.
Follow all the colour, action and every pick as it happens here from 7pm.
It’s almost go time at Marvel Stadium.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) November 20, 2023
The 2023 #AFLDraft is about to begin â³ pic.twitter.com/LtxLOAM0Oj
Ready to make some dreams come true ðŸ¤#AFLDraftpic.twitter.com/AsO2bsqca9
— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2023
Originally published as AFL Draft 2023 Day 1: All the late mail, news and every pick from the first round
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