AFL Draft 2023: October Consensus Rankings of top 40 prospects
The draft is less than six weeks away. What does the order look like following the national combine? See our expert rankings and the big later movers.
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The countdown is on to next month’s AFL National Draft, which is now less than six weeks away.
Following last weekend’s draft combine, draft experts Chris Cavanagh and Dan Batten put their heads together to come up their October rankings of the top 40 prospects. And they don’t agree on every pick.
TOP 40 CONSENSUS RANKINGS
40. JACK DELEAN
South Adelaide/SA, Forward, 182cm, 77kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
Chris Cavanagh’s Ranking – 38: A lively goalkicking forward with plenty of tricks, his best this year was great but he also went missing at times which frustrated some. That said, he kicked five goals across three senior SANFL matches in the back end of the year after booting nine majors from four matches for his state at the national championships.
Dan Batten’s Ranking — Didn’t quite make the cut for me. Certainly has some exciting traits as a small forward but there are question marks over his workrate and consistency.
39. CLAY HALL
Peel Thunder/WA, Midfielder, 189cm, 87kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 40: A professional on and off the field who brings great work ethic and ticks a lot of boxes. The son of former West Coast and Geelong forward Derek, it wouldn’t surprise if the midfielder was snapped up in the second round.
DB – 35: The All-Australian won possessions at will on the inside at the national championships and showed good signs at WAFL level. A great size but his kicking and decision making lets him down at times.
38. CAIDEN CLEARY
Sydney Swans Academy/NSW-ACT, Midfielder, 182cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 33: While his disposal might not always be perfect, he plays with plenty of heart and had an eye-catching national championships for the Allies as a midfield bull. Also showed plenty in a couple of VFL games for the Swans.
DB – 40: Sneaks into my top 40. A tough as nails two-way midfielder who tackles like his life depends on it. Performed strongly for the AFL Academy earlier in the year but another midfielder who lacks polish.
37. KOEN SANCHEZ
East Fremantle/WA, Forward/Midfielder, 177cm, 69kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 35: A speedy half-forward or wingman who had an eye-catching national championships for WA. Brings great speed and energy, has clean hands and looks ready to go at the next level across half-forward.
DB – 37: See some similarities to Giant Brent Daniels here. A buzzing small forward who is clean below his knees and can win his own footy up the ground.
36. ANGUS HASTIE
Geelong Falcons/VIC, Defender, 190cm, 74kg
Stats and full bio:2023 Draft Dossier
CC – Unranked: Definitely around the mark to be a potential second-round pick. Had a solid year down back for the Falcons and with Vic Country in the national championships.
DB – 28: Hastie takes the game on with his dashing run and is also extremely versatile as a defender – doing jobs on top-10 talent Nate Caddy (193cm) and smalls like Rebels forward Lachie Charleson (176cm) this year. That mix is made for the modern game.
35. ZANE ZAKOSTELSKY
Claremont/WA, Defender/Ruck, 196cm, 89kg
Stats and full bio:2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 36: Didn’t do his chances of being a second-round pick any harm at the draft combine with some great results. An athletic key defender who also looked good in the ruck in the final rounds of the season and was best-on-ground in the WAFL Colts grand final with 22 disposals and 18 hit-outs.
DB – 30: Zakostelky is raw given has only been playing footy for a few years. But with his exciting athletic make-up, his upside is enormous. Won the best-on-ground medal in the Colts grand final where he won a whopping 18 contested possessions as a ruckman and showed off his intercepting as a key defender for WA.
34. JOEL FREIJAH
GWV Rebels/VIC, Wing, 190cm, 88kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 26: There are some knocks on his willingness to go after the hard ball, but the wingman runs elite patterns, is a good size, kicks the ball well and is generally clean and composed. He can also push forward and kick a goal.
DB – 38: Freijah works tirelessly up and down the wing and the stats might not always reflect his influence. Burst onto the radar with six goals from 26 disposals and 10 marks early in the year, but his contested game will need to improve at the next level
33. ASHTON MOIR
Glenelg/SA, Forward, 187cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 30: There is not a lot of evidence from this year as to why Moir should be picked up – especially this high. However, clubs will find it hard to ignore the talent from this silky forward who can kick on both feet.
DB – 31: Moir appeared destined to be a top-five pick at the start of the year but has slid significantly after an underwhelming top-age year where his competitiveness has been questioned. But there is no doubting his freakish talent, being able to kick 50m on both sides of his body. Could prove to be a massive steal and a club could do worse than to take a punt on him.
32. LOGAN MORRIS
Western Jets/VIC, Forward, 191cm, 90kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 28: Hard to forget his 16-disposal, 11-mark and 4-goal game against Western Australia at the national championships. A strong-marking mid-sized forward in the Tim Membrey mould who is generally an accurate shot on goal.
DB – 32: Just kept getting the job done for the struggling Western Jets with 30 goals for the season, with seven hauls of three or more in his 10 games. Kicked two on VFL debut for Werribee and his eye-catching four goal haul at the national champs put his vice-like hands on full display.
31. COOPER SIMPSON
Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 182cm
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 32: Unfortunately missed a chunk of the season including the national championships through injury, but is a professional midfielder with pace, composure and nice finishing skills and had a strong finish to the season at Dandenong.
DB – 26: A forgotten man after an injury sidelined him for most of the back-end of the year, but his two goals and 20 disposals in his final game of the season was a stern reminder of his class and forward-half impact. Elusive in traffic and debuted at VFL level this season.
30. LUAMON LUAL
GWV Rebels/VIC, Defender, 181cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 38: An athletic smaller defender who is very good one-on-one and has the speed and agility to go with some of the best small forwards around. Can also bring some run and bounce off halfback and his character and leadership is highly rated.
DB – 21: Have him higher than some might. Big fan of his defensive game as a stopper and his superb composure and decision making allows him to impact the game offensively. Also an outstanding character who has done it all while commuting from Warrnambool
29. LANCE COLLARD
Subiaco/WA/West Coast NGA, Forward, 180cm, 65kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 34: Tied to West Coast’s Next Generation Academy, but another player who is not looking like getting past pick 40 anymore. Had a strong finish to the season, in the forward half for Subiaco’s Colts, including kicking 10 goals across two finals.
DB – 24: Collard has freakish ability as a small forward, with his purple patch to finish the season featuring a litany of dazzling goals: selling candy, snaps from the boundary, the lot. The Eagles academy talent would be a steal for the Eagles if he slips past pick 40.
28. WILL GREEN
Northern Knights/VIC, Ruck, 204cm, 93kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 22: A former junior cricket star who has quickly risen within since joining the AFL pathway programs in 2021. Co-captained the Knights this year and could be anything given his quality tap-work, size and sound fundamentals.
DB – 36: Got better as the year went on and clearly has plenty of athleticism for a player his size. Will take time as he strengthens his body.
27. MITCHELL EDWARDS
Peel Thunder/WA, Ruck, 206cm, 89kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 24: A huge ruckman who has impressive craft, is a competitor, a strong overhead mark and is quite mobile for his size. Still has to put some weight on his frame, but is an exciting prospect from the west.
DB – 33: Would have liked to see more at national level from Edwards, but he is probably the next ruckman in the pool behind Ethan Read.
26. CHARLIE EDWARDS
Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Midfielder, 191cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 27: Has been another big bolter in the back half of the year. Started the season at halfback for Sandringham Dragons but went into the midfield in the second half of the year and starred. Is a real leg-driver and drives the ball forward by foot.
DB – 29: Shot up draft boards to finish the year after moving into the midfield for the Sandringham Dragons. His speed from congestion and height gives him serious potential in a draft class lacking midfield depth, and he can also play off halfback.
25. ARCHER REID
Gippsland Power/VIC, Forward/ruck, 203cm, 94kg
Stats and full bio:2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 21: His older brother Zach is a key forward at Essendon, but Archer plays at the other end. His weapon is his marking ability up forward, but he also developed his ruck craft nicely in the back end of the year with Gippsland.
DB – 34: A tough one to place. Is strong overhead and showed he can perform strongly as a forward and second ruckman, but was a touch inconsistent throughout the year.
24. GEORGE STEVENS
GWV Rebels/VIC, Midfielder, 189cm, 101kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 31: An intriguing prospect. I’m a big fan – as some clubs are – but others say he is too slow. He was arguably Geelong’s best player in one of his VFL games for the Cats this year though, is tough, clean and a decent kick. As ready-made a prospect as you will find.
DB – 23: One of the most polarising players in the draft class. Has worked tirelessly to address concerns over his speed and his high-end performances can’t be ignored in my view, averaging 28.8 disposals and 160 SuperCoach ranking points per game for the Rebels. Showed he can play as contested ball-winner or off halfback with his kicking skills, and can impact from the get-go with his ready-made frame.
23. TEW JIATH
Gippsland Power/VIC/Hawthorn NGA, Defender, 188cm, 72kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 29: The younger brother of Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath was a big bolter in the second half of the season. He’s tied to Hawthorn’s Next Generation Academy, but it’s hard to see the Hawks landing him through that avenue now given the athletic defender looks certain to be a top-40 pick.
DB – 25: Ahead of his brother, Changkuoth, at the same age – and we saw how steep his development was from the point he was drafted. A serious bolter after eye-catching finish to the season where his intercepting, turn of step and composure shone through. Would be a surprise to see the Hawks nab him outside the 40.
22. ARIE SCHOENMAKER
Tasmania Devils/TAS, Defender, 194cm, 91kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 25:Was suspended for the first 10 weeks of the season for a “dumb” mistake, but made a massive impact down back in the second half of the year. Also featured forward and kicked two goals in one game for the Allies at the national championships and is a booming kick of the footy.
DB – 27: What an incredible turnaround it’s been after a 10-week club imposed suspension for a drinking related indiscretion. It’s rare that a player standing 194cm can kick goals from 55m off a couple of steps and moves as well as he can.
21. ARCHIE ROBERTS
Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Defender, 184cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 20: A rebounding left-foot halfback who didn’t put a foot wrong this season. Won two flags with his school team at Haileybury and also the Sandringham Dragons. A strong runner who loves to break the lines.
DB – 22: Reliable halfback who constantly provides run from behind and has a trusty left boot. Had a consistent season at all levels this year and has great composure.
20. HARRY DeMATTIA
Dandenong Stingrays/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 185cm, 78kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 23: Clubs tend to like dual-sport athletes and DeMattia has represented Victoria in cricket. He’s got explosive speed, serious agility and clean hands. Can be deployed across a range of positions.
DB – 17: AFL clubs would be relieved he chose footy over his glittering cricket career. Screams future captain and his speed and footskills will allow clubs to deploy him all over the ground, impressing in a variety of different roles this year.
19. WILL MCCABE
Central Districts/SA/Hawthorn father-son, Defender, 197cm, 86kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 19: Missed a chunk of the season with a foot injury but returned for a semi-final late in the season and had an impact. The Hawthorn father-son prospect reads the ball well, is athletic and can play tall or small.
DB – 19: Reads the play to perfection and uses it just as well by foot. Seven intercept marks on SANFL Reserves debut for Central Districts underlined the potential of the Hawks father-son.
18. RILEY HARDEMAN
Swan Districts/WA, Defender, 185cm, 75kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 15: A nice left-footed rebounding defender who captained Western Australia at the national championships. His speed and booming and accurate kick are features of his game.
DB - 20: His elite kicking, speed and reading of the play at his size is an attractive combination for a side looking for a rebounding defender.
17. JAMES LEAKE
Tasmania Devils/TAS, Defender, 188cm
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 18: A medium-sized rebounding defender with strong intercepting abilities, who makes good decisions when he wins the ball back. But also had a serious impact when he went forward late in the year for the Devils.
DB – 16: The Tasmanian swingman can turn a game at either end with his vice-like hands, massive leap and speed off the mark. Impressed at national level for the Allies down back and kicked 12 goals in the space of three games for Devils late in the year.
16. KOLTYN THOLSTRUP
Subiaco/WA, Forward, 186cm, 86kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 16: Impressed in the 2km time trial and agility tests at the draft combine, showing he has the ability to progress from a half-forward to dynamic midfielder in time. Brings a fierce competitive edge and played some regular senior football in the WAFL this year.
DB – 18: Has plenty of swagger and X-Factor but he also does the hard things, restricting dual Sandover medallist Jye Bolton to 12 SuperCoach ranking points in a tagging job in the WAFL. Donning a bright gold pair of visors atop his shaggy mullet at the combine, Tholstrup is sure to be a fan favourite wherever he goes.
15. CALEB WINDSOR
Eastern Ranges/VIC, Wing, 184cm
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 17: A wingman with pace to burn, it was no surprise to see him place third in the 20m sprint at the draft combine. Works hard and holds his lanes well as a wingman, but also spent some time as an inside midfielder at the national championships.
DB – 14: Has risen in estimations as the year has gone on as an athletically gifted wingman who is creative and efficient with ball in hand. Glides across the ground and then hits his opponents with a lightning burst of speed.
14. JORDAN CROFT
Calder Cannons/VIC/Bulldogs father-son, Forward, 200cm, 81kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 13: An elite runner for a 200cm key forward, the Western Bulldogs father-son prospect prides himself on working hard up the ground and being a real presence in the air. Grew up idolising Marcus Bontempelli and Aaron Naughton and could soon join them at the Kennel.
DB – 15: Another who will need a few pre-seasons to build size but his leap, strong contested marking and elite endurance is an exciting combination. Where the Bulldogs father-son fits in alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the big question.
13. OLLIE MURPHY
Sandringham Dragons/VIC, Defender, 200cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 14: The key defender has emerged out of nowhere to firm as a first-round prospect this year. Is competitive and rose to some big challenges in the under-18 national championships to win Vic Metro’s MVP award.
DB – 13: Murphy will take time, but a 200cm interceptor with a huge tank and exquisite skills will definitely be worth the wait.
12. DARCY WILSON
Murray Bushrangers/VIC, Wing/forward, 185cm, 74cm
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 12: A wingman who can seriously run, Wilson finished a close second in the 2km time trial at the draft combine. Is also a thumping kick and regularly pushed forward to hit the scoreboard this season.
DB – 12: A running machine with a massive leap, Wilson finished first in the running vertical jump and second in the 2km time trial. Can slot in on a wing or off a half-forward flank, where he can work up the ground and be seriously dangerous around goal.
11. JAKE ROGERS
Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Midfielder/forward, 171cm
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 11: A ball-winning midfielder who has incredibly clean hands and has drawn comparisons to Touk Miller. Is dynamic, has good speed and had a brilliant season before suffering a back injury at the tail end of the year.
DB – 11: At 170cm, you need to have some elite traits and he has got those in spades with his speed, agility, and super clean hands below his knees. Dominated in both AFL Academy games against senior opposition, suggesting he can crack into the Suns forward line next year. And he should be used through the midfield in the future.
10. NATE CADDY
Northern Knights/VIC, Forward, 193cm, 88kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 10: Didn’t quite have the season he wanted to, but showed enough to suggest he is going to be a very good player. Can take a strong mark overhead, is a booming kick and kicks goals as a forward. Also went into the midfield at times this season and looked good.
DB – 10: A dangerous threat in the air and at ground level up forward with his power and agility. Ran the 2ker in 6:35, suggesting he has the potential to be used as a hulking midfielder in the future, where he dominated at stages for Northern Knights.
9. CONNOR O’SULLIVAN
Murray Bushrangers/NSW-ACT, Defender, 198cm, 92kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 9: Plenty of clubs looking for key defenders and O’Sullivan is the best available in this draft. Brings a high workrate and can beat opposition key forwards in the air and at ground level.
DB – 9: O’Sullivan can play just about anywhere on the ground but looks most settled in defence, where he can clunk intercept marks and cover the ground with his elite endurance base – running the eighth best time in the 2km time trial. Scary to think the 198cm talent was used in the midfield at times this year.
8. ETHAN READ
Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Ruck, 202cm, 92kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 8: Solidified his standing as an elite runner at the draft combine, when he finished third in the 2km time trial. Played mostly as a ruck this year, but has been compared to the versatile Mark Blicavs and could end up playing anywhere for the Suns.
DB – 7: See a lot of similarities to Tim English – and he could get to his level sooner, given he ran a staggering 5:56min 2ker. The All-Australian ruckman’s numbers were almost as ridiculous, averaging 20-plus disposals at the national championships.
7. RYLEY SANDERS
Sandringham Dragons/TAS/Roos NGA, Midfielder, 186cm
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 6: An old-fashioned centreman who pulls up the socks and gets to work around the contest. His national championships campaign with the Allies was as good as it gets, on the way to earning Larke Medal honours.
DB – 8: You can bank 200+ games with Sanders: a prolific ball-winner who is just so clean and agile at the coalface. Showed he can have an impact with his possessesions on his way to winning the Larke Medal at the national champs, but I feel the likes of Duursma and Watson are harder to find.
6. NICK WATSON
Eastern Ranges/VIC, Forward, 170cm, 68kg
Stats and full bio:2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 7: The latest measurements have Watson at just 169.5cm. However, that won’t put clubs off using an early selection on the highly-talented small forward. He is quick, agile, brings great pressure and can kick goals from all angles.
DB – 6: Forget his height, Watson is a genuine matchwinner in the forward half with his freakish goal sense, speed and leap. Put his team on his back multiple times throughout the year with bags of goals. Feel he could also be thrown into defence like Harry Sheezel and Nick Daicos and play as a speedy half back in the mould of Jack Sinclair.
5. DANIEL CURTIN
Claremont/WA, Defender/Midfielder, 197cm, 95kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 5: Looks likely to begin his AFL career as a key defender, where he starred as a bottom-age player last year. However, the West Australian could well develop into a classy big-bodied midfielder-forward in the years to come.
DB – 4: Spent time in the midfield this year but there is no doubt his best position is behind the ball, where he can soar for intercept marks and spot up targets with his pinpoint kicking and silky sidestep. The best key defender in the crop.
4. ZANE DUURSMA
Gippsland Power/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 189cm, 79kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 3: One of the most exciting players in this year’s draft class. A forward who can also have a run through the midfield, he’s athletically gifted and has shown he can have a huge scoreboard impact forward of centre.
DB – 5: His four goals and six score assists against Vic Metro epitomised his game-breaking forward-half impact. Xavier Duursma’s brother plays more like Connor Rozee, but can he become a full-time midfielder in the future? If so, look out.
3. COLBY MCKERCHER
Tasmania Devils/TAS, Midfielder, 180cm, 76kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 4: The best pure midfielder in this year’s pool. The left-footer oozes class, has good breakaway speed and has consistently found the footy at all levels this season. Tasmania’s finest.
DB – 3: If you haven’t seen his goal from the paint against Vic Country at the national championships, do yourself a favour. The smooth-mover has elite footskills, wins possessions at will and has a burst of speed. Not much more you can ask for in a midfielder.
2. JED WALTER
Gold Coast Suns Academy/QLD, Forward, 194cm, 97kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 2: Could prove to be the best ready-made key forward out of the draft in years. Gives off Charlie Curnow vibes with the way he plays and is a fierce competitor who is as good defensively as he is with ball in hand. The Suns have a beauty on their hands.
DB – 2: A key forward with the strength and overhead marking of Charlie Curnow who can chase and tackle like Charlie Cameron? Going to give defenders nightmares in the years to come and should have an instant impact for the Suns.
1. HARLEY REID
Bendigo Pioneers/VIC, Midfielder/Forward, 187cm, 85kg
Stats and full bio: 2023 Draft Dossier
CC – 1: Clubs are clamouring for the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft and there’s good reason why. Reid is a freak, who showed this season that he is ready to make an instant impact at AFL level.
DB – 1: While picks 2 and 3 might be a bit much, I’d be throwing the kitchen sink at West Coast to get Reid. Made kids and grown men look silly at junior and VFL level over the past two years. A generational talent with plenty of similarities to Dustin Martin — including his trademark fend-off — as a midfielder/forward who provides maximum impact.
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