AFL Draft 2023: Giants’ select bolter Phoenix Gothard, James Leake, Swans nab Will Green and Caiden Cleary

The Giants were in the thick of the action on the opening night of the AFL draft, leading to one of the best celebrations we’ve seen in Draft history, as the Swans played hard yet again.

The Giants pulled a Draft night shock with Phoenix Gothard taken at Pick 12. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Giants were in the thick of the action on the first night of the AFL Draft as they pulled off a high-profile pick swap and a shock selection in the opening round.

Despite going into the night with their first selection at No.7, a trade with Adelaide meant the Giants didn’t take their first player until pick 12 when they pulled a surprise in selecting Murray Bushrangers small forward, Phoenix Gothard.

Gothard hadn’t even planned on attending the draft but came along as a guest of his Bushrangers teammate, Connor O’Sullivan, who was taken at pick 11 by Geelong. The pair eventually had to swap polo shirts so Gothard could go on stage.

“I had to give the polo back to Connor because he’s about 10 sizes too big,” Gothard said. “So I put the Giants polo on and it looks like it suits me brilliantly.

“I was quite nervous getting here today, but to have it finally come today is surreal and amazing and I can’t wait to get into it.”

One of the greatest moments we've seen in the #AFLDraft 👀

What an amazing moment for Phoenix Gothard! pic.twitter.com/UXNz9xwVVv

— AFL (@AFL) November 20, 2023

Gothard had an impressive 2023 season, particularly as part of the Allies side that took out the under-18 national championship.

He fits perfectly into Adam Kingsley’s game plan as a goal sneak who can bring immense forward pressure alongside the likes of Toby Bedford and Brent Daniels, averaging four tackles a game in the Coates League.

“With the young list coming through, it looks like a very promising club and side,” Gothard said.

“I mentioned to Adam Kingsley in our Combine interview about Bedford, [Toby] Greene and Daniels, they’re amazing small forwards. To be able to bounce off them and learn off them will be super beneficial for my development.”

Gothard looks set to add to the Giants’ pressure forward stocks. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos

The Giants slid down the order after a live pick swap with Adelaide. The Giants sent their picks seven and 16 to the Crows in exchange for picks 11, 15 and a future second-rounder.

With their second selection of the night, the Giants moved up one place following a trade with St Kilda to take James Leake at pick 17, handing over Adelaide’s future second-rounder in the process.

The Tasmanian is a highly-rated utility player who has played all across the ground in junior footy. Standing at 187cm, he played off halfback for the impressive Allies side but has also played in the midfield for Tasmania. Leake is a standout marker set to add plenty of flexibility to Kingsley’s team.

Speaking to this masthead leading into the Draft, Giants recruiting manager Adrian Caruso confirmed that being an Allies player was going to come into consideration on Draft night. In the end, GWS managed to add two to their side within the first round.

“If you’re splitting two guys that you ranked evenly, that would be a factor,” Caruso said.

The Giants were also able to take versatile James Leake with their second selection. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Across town, the Sydney Swans were in a bidding mood, forcing the hand of both the Suns and the Bulldogs with their first selection of the night.

After their picks of Jake Rogers and Jordan Croft were both matched, the Swans ended up selecting ruckman Will Green with pick 16.

Standing at 204cm, Green has an impressive pair of hands and remarkable athletic ability and will look to compete for a spot as a backup ruckman behind new recruit Brodie Grundy.

However, the Swans got a taste of their own medicine with Academy product Caiden Cleary bid on by Collingwood with pick 24.

While it was earlier than many expected, it was never in doubt that Sydney would match a bid for the talented ball-winner who adds to their incredible midfield depth.