AFL Draft 2023: Every club’s current picks, potential targets, father-sons, Academy aces
There are set to be plenty of Academy and father-son selections in November’s draft, here’s how they are likely to play out. Plus more on how every club is shaping up for the night here.
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With the AFL trade period done and dusted for another year, clubs are looking to November’s national draft to further bolster their lists.
Here is where your club sits heading into the draft — from current picks to potential targets, selection swap plans, father-son and Academy prospects.
ADELAIDE
Draft Picks after trade period: 10, 14, 20, 89
Only North Melbourne has more top-20 picks than Adelaide after the Crows strengthened an already attractive draft hand in the trade period – and they might not be done yet. “We’ll certainly look to get up, whether that’s between now and the draft or on draft night itself,” list boss Justin Reid said after the deadline with the club already involved in conversations with Geelong, which holds the eighth selection. Could GWS’ pick 7 be up for grabs, too? Moving up might quite not bring Zane Duursma and Colby McKercher in to play – two dynamic midfielders who would fit Adelaide’s needs perfectly – but Ryley Sanders has on-ball star written all over him and Nate Caddy could be anything. If there is no charge up the draft order, athletic, strong-marking defender Connor O’Sullivan, classy midfield goalkicker Caleb Windsor and the speedy Darcy Wilson would suit and might come into the mix with the club’s first two picks.
BRISBANE LIONS
Draft picks after trade period: 30, 39, 51, 54, 67, 97
The Lions have been left without a first-round draft pick this year, having traded away that selection in the deal for Josh Dunkley 12 months ago. They have the option to shuffle around some more picks before or on draft night, with some rival clubs seeking points which Brisbane has a bit of in the middle part of the draft. The Lions secured two midfielders as father-son’s in last year’s draft in Will Ashcroft and Jasper Fletcher. They also have two more onballers coming through next year in father-son Levi Ashcroft and Academy prospect Sam Marshall. Given that, adding some key position players could be a focus at this year’s draft. The club also has access to Academy prospect Patrick Snell this year, a key defender who played three games for the Allies at the under-18 national championships.
CARLTON
Draft picks after trade period: 22, 28, 70, 78
Headlines aside, Carlton managed to grab 2020 top-10 pick Elijah Hollands, swap a late first-rounder and Zach Fisher for two second round selections, and bank draft points for their 2024 twin father-son prospects, Lucas and Ben Camporeale, during the trade period. That’s a definite improvement without giving up a great deal. Carlton’s list is well positioned across the board but outside run and polish is an area they can look to add to again with their second round choices, ranking 12th in the competition for kick rating and 11th for defensive 50 to inside 50 percentage across the home-and-away season. Versatile dual sportsman Harry DeMattia, who has a burst of speed, great leadership qualities and can be used all over the ground, might be available. Same goes for Tasmanian superboot Arie Schoenmaker, a 194cm defender who can play on a wing, silky draft bolter Tew Jiath and rebounding defender Archie Roberts. Tall and quick midfielder Charlie Edwards is another in the second round range who can give Carlton’s midfield a point-of-difference in time. A developing marking option up forward, like Archer Reid (203cm) or Logan Morris (191cm), would also be a promising addition to their attacking 50 into the future
COLLINGWOOD
Draft picks after trade period: 19, 39, 80, 98
Collingwood lost Taylor Adams during the trade period, and the club could look for a ready-made midfield option to replace him. Polarising prospect George Stevens would be a nice fit as a bullocking 189cm prospect who has already played at VFL level. WA forward/midfielder Koltyn Tholstrup is a another with a mature frame who has played a full WAFL season for Subiaco who would no doubt become a cult hero at the Pies with his 1980s style mullet. There are a number of rebounding defenders at this range of the draft, with talents like WA defender Riley Hardeman, Archie Roberts and Tew Jiath all able to add something to Collingwood’s back six in time. The Pies may look to bolster their marking forward stocks at this range of the draft, with mobile 203cm forward/ruck Archer Reid and 191cm target Logan Morris potential options. If the Pies are looking for an immediate boost later in the draft to push for back-to-back flags, could they look to Werribee VFL duo Sam Clohesy or Shaun Mannagh? Clohesy won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the best young player in the VFL after a strong season as a rebounding half-back, while dynamic forward/midfielder Shaun Mannagh kicked a bag of six on VFL grand final day and averaged 25 disposals across the season.
ESSENDON
Draft Picks after trade period: 9, 31, 35, 61, 88
Essendon has its eye on another top-end talent in November after landing Elijah Tsatas, Ben Hobbs, Nik Cox, Archie Perkins and Zach Reid inside the first 13 selections over the past three national drafts. And the Bombers’ first selection at pick 9 should see it snare one of this year’s top-tier prospects, with Adrian Dodoro keeping his draft hand in check while also improving the list in the trade period. Given the strong views on the top 10, many clubs appear reluctant to slide back any further but Essendon will ask the question. If not, dynamic forward Nate Caddy would add another lay to an attack that misfired too often in 2023, while athletic strong-marking defender Connor O’Sullivan would help fill the void left by Brandon Zerk-Thatcher alongside free agent signing Ben McKay in the future. Or will Daniel Curtin slide if the Eagles keep pick 1 and take Harley Reid?
FREMANTLE
Draft Picks after trade period: 34, 46, 60, 64, 85
The Dockers won’t enter the draft until the middle of the second round after last year’s Luke Jackson trade, and multiple deals in this year’s exchange period that saw the club arm itself with two extra first-round selections for 2024. But in those same deals, Fremantle also handed over Liam Henry and Lachie Schultz. At pick 34, however, local prospect Koen Sanchez, a speedy forward or wingman, could help fill the void as could tall wingman Joel Freijah further up the ground, if he slides. Athletic Claremont defender Zane Zakostelsky might also feature in that part of the draft, but an eye-catching draft combine could push the raw WA talent a bit higher. Ruckman Mitch Edwards is tied to the club through the next generation academy, but he’s almost certain to be snapped up inside the first 40 selections.
GEELONG
Draft Picks after trade period: 8, 25, 76, 87, 94
Geelong secured picks 25, 76 and 94 in the Esava Ratugolea deal, up from Port Adelaide’s initial offer of 25. The club’s haggling for 76 and 94 raised eyebrows, but those selections will shift in significantly after bids are matched for Gold Coast’s four academy talents and clubs pass on their selections. The Cats are likely to take at least three selections at the draft, and most of the interest will centre on who they take at pick eight. WA key defender Dan Curtin might slide to Geelong’s first choice, and he would be a serious upgrade on Ratugolea with his intercept marking, elite foot skills and versatility. Dynamic 193cm forward Nate Caddy can be a threat in the air and at ground level and will also be in consideration for the Cats, while ball-magnet Ryley Sanders would be a no-brainer to bolster the Cats’ midfield if he slides that far. Connor O’Sullivan is another in the mix, a 198cm All-Australian key defender who covers the ground like a midfielder and can be used all over the ground. But the club does remain open to trading their first pick and there has been plenty of interest from rival clubs. GWV Rebels midfielder George Stevens played two games for Geelong’s VFL side this year and will be around the mark at their second-round pick. There are question marks over his speed but he is a ready-made midfielder who would help address the Cats’ issues at the coalface. Local Geelong West product Angus Hastie, Tew Jiath or Archie Roberts can add some vibrancy to Geelong’s back-half if available at their second pick. The Cats also added basketball convert Joe Furphy as a Category B rookie this off-season.
GOLD COAST
Draft picks after trade period: 24, 26, 27, 32, 36, 38, 66, 71, 74, 84
Gold Coast believes it has accumulated enough draft points to secure its four Suns Academy stars in this year’s draft without going into a point’s deficit. The club moved plenty of picks around during the trade period, knowing its focus was simply on having sufficient draft points heading into November. It now holds 3877 draft points, which should be enough to snap up Jed Walter, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers and Will Graham. The four players all offer something different, with Walter being a 194cm key forward, Read being a versatile and mobile 202cm tall and Rogers and Graham being clean inside midfielders. Walter, Read and Rogers are all expected to receive first-round bids from rival clubs, while Graham could attract a bid in the second round.
GWS
Draft picks after trade period: 7, 16, 43, 59, 77, 79, 95
It is rare to see GWS this quiet during the trade period, but the club would have been pleased to get pick 43 as compensation for losing fringe ruckman Matthew Flynn to West Coast. The Giants were unsuccessful in getting Crow Elliott Himmelberg to join his brother, but fortunately an exciting forward half option should be available to them at their first choice in Nate Caddy. The Northern Knights product has plenty of power and has drawn comparisons to Charlie Curnow. It will be interesting to see if Giants pounce on WA talent Dan Curtin instead, who could slide to their pick, but they are well stocked for key defenders. The Giants haven’t been afraid to trade first round picks in the past and don’t rule this out, especially if the Eagles are eager to get back into the draft to nab Curtin. The club also has academy graduates Harvey Thomas and Charlie McCormack available to them. One of the pair could join the club as a Category B rookie if they don’t attract a national draft bid, given milk-obsessed youngster Jason Gillbee was delisted.
HAWTHORN
Draft picks after trade period: 4, 44, 47, 49, 62, 63, 83
The Hawks had a go at making offers to West Coast for pick 1 during the trade period, but were ultimately unsuccessful. That said, they have vowed to keep trying to tempt the Eagles to swap the prized pick. If Hawthorn stays at pick 4, it can expect to land a top-end talent like mid-sized forward Zane Duursma or small forward dynamo Nick Watson. The club’s picks in the 40s could get swallowed up to match a late first-round or early second-round bid on father-son prospect Will McCabe, who is a highly-rated 197cm key defender. The Hawks also have access to another father-son who could come into calculations later in the draft in 195cm key forward Calsher Dear. Intercept defender Tew Jiath — the younger brother of Changkuoth — is also available to the Hawks as a Next Generation Academy player but is expected to attract a bid in the top 40 selections which Hawthorn will be unable to match.
MELBOURNE
Draft picks after trade period: 6, 11, 42, 93
The Demons made what they think is a significant jump up the draft order during the trade period, moving their pick 14 up to pick 11. The move gives Melbourne two of the first dozen selections heading into November, where it believes it will be able to land two very good players. The club has not ruled out trying to make a play for pick 1, having shown significant interest in Harley Reid. However, other clubs look better placed to twist West Coast’s arm. If it holds pick 6, Melbourne could look to mid-sized marking forward Nate Caddy. Gun onballer Ryley Sanders would also be an option that would have to be considered if he was still available. At pick 11, players like hard-running wingman Darcy Wilson and key defender Ollie Murphy could be available options. The Demons also have access to father-son Kynan Brown this year, who is a potential late selection.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Draft picks after trade period: 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 57, 82
The Kangaroos had one go at trading up for West Coast’s pick 1 during the trade period by offering a suite of later first-round picks, but left with the understanding that they would likely need to part with at least one of their top-three picks – likely along with another single-digit selection – to get a deal done. If an agreement can’t be reached with the Eagles and North Melbourne misses out on Harley Reid, it can still secure two high-end players at the pointy end of the draft after receiving pick 3 as free agency compensation for Ben McKay. The Kangaroos are believed to be interested in mid-sized forward Zane Duursma if they hold onto their current selections, while midfielder Colby McKercher and versatile key-position player Daniel Curtin would also be in the mix. North is also well placed later in the first round to snap up any potential sliders.
PORT ADELAIDE
Draft Picks after trade period: 73
After giving up plenty in last year’s mega trade for Jason Horne-Francis and Willie Rioli, Port Adelaide already had little to play with in the trade period. So, it’s no surprise the Power will play no real part in November’s draft after its trade haul of Esava Ratugolea, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet left recruiting manager Geoff Parker with just pick 73 in the national draft. Father-son prospect Rome Burgoyne is part of next year’s crop so don’t expect Port Adelaide to move any of its 2024 selections to get back into this year’s draft, either, making it two consecutive years without a pick inside the top 35. But those at Alberton believe they did what they had to do in the trade period. “There’s no doubt about it,” Power footy boss Chris Davies said last week.
RICHMOND
Draft picks after trade period: 29, 41, 65, 68, 86
The Tigers didn’t have a first-round pick entering this year, after giving that up to GWS as part of the Jacob Hopper trade last year. Following the trade period, they still don’t have a first-round selection and have only marginally improved their draft hand for this year on the back of ruckman Ivan Soldo’s move to Port Adelaide. Richmond is confident in its draft haul from 2021, which saw it secure five top-30 picks. Adding some key position players could be a focus in this draft. Players like marking forwards Logan Morris and Luke Lloyd or intercept defenders Will Patton and Tew Jiath could appeal with the second-round picks if they are still on the board.
SYDNEY
Draft Picks before trade period: 12, 45, 55, 91
The Swans addressed three key areas during the trade period: their inside ball-winning, a No.1 ruck to replace Tom Hickey, and key defensive depth. They did this while holding onto their first-round pick. Being from Albury, key defender Connor O’Sullivan would be a great pick-up for the Swans if he slides to their selection, but he might be off the board by then. However, fellow U18 All-Australian Ollie Murphy, a 200cm defender with elite endurance, should be available. Sydney is known to take players who can be used in multiple positions, with 188cm swingman James Leake and running machine Darcy Wilson versatile options at that range of the draft. The Swans might only take two or three selections in the national intake and one of those could be academy midfielder Caiden Cleary, who was the fourth-ranked player according to Champion Data at the national championships. A bid for the hard-nosed midfielder appears likely to come in the back-half of the draft.
ST KILDA
Draft Picks before trade period: 13, 21, 40, 92
The Saints are well placed to cap off a nice off-season at the draft after adding Liam Henry and Paddy Dow in the trade period, while also improving their draft hand. St Kilda kept its first-round selection and received end-of-first-round compensation for departing free agent Jade Gresham, which will make it seven top-35 picks in the past three drafts come November. Unless, of course, the Saints package up 13 and 21 to move up, giving them a better shot at adding another game-changer in the midfield. After blitzing the draft combine, classy Eastern Ranges midfielder Caleb Windsor, who’s shown a developing inside game that complements his high-level work on the outside, would have to be in the mix at pick 13, as would line-breaker Darcy Wilson and one of the draft’s biggest x-factors, Nate Caddy.
WEST COAST
Draft Picks after trade period: 1, 23, 37, 58, 81
With no blockbuster pick 1 trade during the exchange period, the big question for the Eagles remains the same – to Harley Reid or not to Harley Reid? West Coast is said to be more than happy to take the Bendigo Pioneers game-changer, but the temptation to capitalise on the interest from Victorian clubs and turbocharge the rebuild with multiple early picks is there. But late first-round selections is unlikely to get the deal done – so will North Melbourne offer up two and three? It’s going to be the big draft talking point in the build-up to November 20. What makes a potential deal more enticing for the Eagles is the rise of local star Daniel Curtin, the versatile Claremont teenager who has impressed at WAFL level this year. The top-end traits of Zane Duursma, Colby McKercher and Nick Watson – all potential top five selections – would also sit perfectly alongside last year’s impressive draft crop. After a standout finish to the season and an eye-catching draft combine, there’s now next to no change electrifying NGA prospect Lance Collard gets past pick 40 without a bid.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Draft Picks after trade period: 5, 48, 50, 52, 53, 56, 69, 72, 75, 75, 90
From the outside, trading three first round picks to get one top-five selection seems exorbitant. But the two first round picks they traded (10 and 17) could have been swallowed up in the event of a top-10 bid for father-son prospect Jordan Croft. The club has been linked to livewire small forward Nick Watson, who would add serious ground level threat alongside the likes of Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Cody Weightman. But if Hawthorn takes Watson before them, ready-made inside midfielder Ryley Sanders would likely come into consideration. Sanders won the Larke Medal as the best player at the national championships, where he averaged 35 disposals and four tackles. With Tom Liberatore turning 32 next year, Sanders can be the Bulldogs’ next clearance king. The Western Bulldogs banked plenty of back-end picks to allow for an early bid for Croft, the son of 186-game player Matthew, who is a key forward with elite running capacity and athleticism. It remains to be seen whether Next Generation Academy prospect Luamon Lual, an athletic defender who is great one-on-one, will receive a bid inside the top 40.
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