AFL Draft 2023: The potential pick 1 deal and how it would affect the top 10

Recruiters are convinced there are some absolute gems at the top of this year’s draft class. So for those clubs with the early picks, who are they eyeing off?

West Coast won’t be tempted by multiple selections in the teens from North Melbourne in any swap for the Eagles’ prized pick one.

North Melbourne and Melbourne remain engaged in talks with the Eagles in a bid to secure pick one and the access to star underage prospect Harley Reid.

North Melbourne is keen to take Harley Reid with the first selection in next month’s national draft, adding the powerful goal kicker to a talented midfield mix.

But West Coast has made clear it would only be tempted by multiple single-figure selections, rather than choices late in the first round.

This masthead revealed West Coast would consider a swap for North’s picks two and three for pick one.

The Eagles are very happy to take Harley Reid with pick 1. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos

There is also the option of involving Melbourne, which has picks six and 11.

But North will have to use 15, 17 and 18 to package together and jump up the order, or include its future first-round pick to have a chance of tempting West Coast into giving up pick one.

West Coast has minimal interest in picks in the teens unless they accompany multiple single-figure picks to boost the club’s rebuild.

Recruiters are convinced there are 8-10 excellent prospects in this year’s draft, but the talent drops off in the double-digit range.

West Coast is very happy to take Tongala goal kicker Reid at pick one, leaving speedy playmaker Colby McKercher and outside midfielder Zane Duursma for North.

Daniel Curtin in action during the draft combine. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

How high will Zane Duursma go? Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Hawthorn likes small forward Nick Watson and Western Bulldogs are eyeing gun midfielder Ryley Sanders, leaving star goal kicker Nate Caddy for Melbourne.

Highly-touted Western Australian key defender Daniel Curtin could slide to GWS Giants, although the Giants are well-stocked for key defenders, prompting clubs to eye a potential pick swap with GWS.

Geelong also likes 193cm Caddy, who can play forward and through the midfield, although he would have to slide to their chance after the Giants.

But generally clubs are not keen to slide back in the draft order as the bulk of the top talent is inside 10.