AFL Draft 2023: What and who your club should be targeting with its current picks
All the AFL Draft talk is about Harley Reid and the top 10 – but there is plenty of talent on offer after that. Find out who your club might target in November.
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With the season over, clubs are now weighing up what they need to add to their lists ahead of this month’s trade period and next month’s national draft.
Here is where your club could do with some help — and the players in this year’s draft pool who could provide that.
ADELAIDE
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 9, 21, 24, 84
It’s a very attractive draft hand for the rebuilding Crows, who will, again, bring in top-end talent this off-season. But just how high that top-end talent is remains to be seen. Adelaide has been one of the club’s linked with a trade for Gold Coast’s pick four, but its offer might fall short of the three first-round picks the Bulldogs have put up. Unless something else is put forward, maybe in a deal involving tall Mabior Chol – who the Crows have shown interest in – the desired class, speed and midfield x-factor of Zane Duursma and Colby McKercher will be out of reach. But the picks as they stand are still sure to bolster Matthew Nicks’ developing list. Athletic, strong-marking tall Connor O’Sullivan and Sandringham’s Ollie Murphy would satisfy the need for a key-defender, while the skill of line-breaker Darcy Wilson would suit. After that, the 190cm frame and clean hands of rising defender-turned-midfielder Charlie Edwards might appeal – or could the Crows draft their next No. 1 ruckman in 206cm WA prospect Mitch Edwards? Supremely-talented local Ashton Moir is now likely to get into the 20s, too. Adelaide is also one of the club’s tracking 25-year-old Glenelg defender Toby Pink.
BRISBANE LIONS
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 27, 46, 62
The Lions’ secured two midfielders as father-son selections last year in Will Ashcroft and Jasper Fletcher. They also have another pair of quality on-ballers coming through next year in father-son Levi Ashcroft and Lions Academy member Sam Marshall, who both performed well in the under-17 futures game on AFL grand final day. With that in mind, the Lions could look to go after a key position player or two this year. Players like 194cm Tasmanian defender Arie Schoenmaker or 196cm West Australian backman Zane Zakostelsky could appeal at the Lions’ first pick. Given there are some smaller bodies in the Brisbane midfield, an onball bull like Victorian George Stevens would also be a nice fit. Stevens hails from the same country club as Hugh McCluggage – South Warrnambool Football Club.
COLLINGWOOD
Draft picks before Trade Period: 18, 36, 75
What does the 2023 premier need to add to their list? Perhaps the one area that Dan McStay’s injury exposed was the Pies’ key forward depth, which the could look to address long-term with a developing tall. Key forwards like Archer Reid, the brother of top-10 Bomber Zach, and bolter Luke Lloyd would be around the mark at their first two selections, which will likely be pushed out significantly by father-son and academy bids. With Finlay Macrae looking elsewhere and few other young midfielders coming through, the Pies could look at a bullocking inside player with either of their first picks, where big-bodied midfielders George Stevens and Clay Hall may be available. The Pies pinched late bolter Ed Allan last year and blistering Sandringham Dragons midfielder Charlie Edwards has shot up draft boards in the last month. At 190cm, Edwards can be used off half-back or as an inside midfielder where his burst and penetrating kick could add another dimension to Collingwood’s midfield mix in time.
CARLTON
Draft picks before Trade Period: 16, 65, 73
Carlton’s draft hand could look very different come the end of the trade period. The Blues gave up 2023 selections for Lachie Cowan and Blake Acres last year, but trade moves for Paddy Dow and Zac Fisher, who has been linked to North Melbourne, may see the club re-enter the middle section of the draft. Carlton is set to take up to four picks and is open to splitting its first round pick, which has been pushed out to 16 after the club’s stunning end to the season. The Blues’ list is well settled but one area for improvement is their outside polish, with the club ranking 11th in the home-and-away season for defensive 50 to inside 50 percentage and 12th for kick rating. Rebounding defenders Riley Hardeman and Archie Roberts are around the mark at their first pick and would help address this. Outside runners Darcy Wilson and Caleb Windsor are also classy ball-users who can be used as attacking wingmen or at half forward. Alternatively, 188cm swingman James Leake could compliment Carlton’s bookends into the future with his spring and overhead marking, while lean key defender Olli Murphy is a prospect who can develop underneath Jacob Weitering. The Blues will also have to keep an eye on their draft points for next year with Scott Camporeale’s twins, Lucas and Ben, both tied to them as father-son prospects. Ben took out the best on ground medal in the U17 Futures match on grand final day with an inspired performance.
ESSENDON
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 8, 28, 47, 68, 83
There’s young talent on every line for the Bombers, so there should be plenty of natural improvement over the next few seasons. The arrival of free agent defender Ben McKay will, of course, help, too, as will the signing of Todd Goldstein – in the short-term anyway. But Essendon can still address some key issues in the draft. Despite the pending addition of McKay, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher’s departure hurts the overall strength of the back-six, meaning strong-marking Murray Bushrangers defender Connor O’Sullivan would have to be in the mix at the club’s first call. There’s also dynamic forward, and fellow top-10 chance, Nate Caddy, who would add another lay to an attack that misfired too often in 2023. After that, the toughness and aggression of Subiaco’s Koltyn Tholstrup would fit in nicely, while the height of Sandringham midfielder bolter Charlie Edwards could appeal. GWV Rebels ball magnet George Stevens lacks a touch of speed but his leadership, decision making and strong-body all tick boxes at Essendon.
FREMANTLE
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 22, 41, 55, 59, 80
Fremantle’s fall in 2023 had a lot to do with its front half, with Justin Longmuir’s side ranked 14th for points scored this season, just 12 months after finishing the year with the league’s fifth-best attack. The Dockers will build around Jye Amiss, but Archer Reid, the 203cm forward, and brother of Essendon defender Zach, would be hard to pass up if available at the club’s first pick, despite his rawness. Local prospects Koen Sanchez and Koltyn Tholstrup would be add something different to the forward half, as would South Australian Jack Delean. The Dockers also need to add something different through the middle, bringing into play tall wingman Joel Freijah if he slides, as well as goalkicking Peel Thunder midfielder Reece Torrent later on. The standout ruckman of the draft pool, behind Gold Coast-bound Ethan Read, 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.
GOLD COAST
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 4, 29, 35, 43, 48, 57, 61, 66, 69
The Suns’ selections at the draft this year largely pick themselves, with the club poised to get its hands on up to four young stars from its Academy. Key forward Jed Walter – who stands 195cm tall – looks capable of teaming up with Ben King in the Gold Coast forward line for many years to come, while the 200cm Ethan Read has been compared to Geelong’s Mark Blicavs given his versatility. Jake Rogers and Will Graham are both tough, ball-winning midfielders who the Suns also have priority access to. The Suns are happy to trade out pick 4 as long as they retain enough draft points to match bids on the talented quartet, who will no doubt be welcomed with open arms by new Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick.
GEELONG
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 7, 81
Geelong has said it will be a much quieter trade period than last year, but what the club receives for Esava Ratugolea will shape what the Cats do at the draft. Currently holding two picks after offloading 2023 selections in trades last trade period, the Cats appear to be after a first-round pick but may have to settle for less. After taking homegrown product Jhye Clark last year, another midfielder might be on the menu after ranking third last in the competition for clearances and 11th for contested possessions in 2023. Larke medallist and North Melbourne NGA gun Ryley Sanders, who is available to the entire pool despite initial fears from clubs about the Roos’ concession package, can help fill this midfield void from the get-go. Fellow Tasmanian Colby McKercher would be a great fit for any on-ball brigade in the competition but might be off the board by Geelong’s first selection. Don’t be surprised to see the Cats trade pick seven, either, with footy boss Andrew Mackie saying they are open to “all opportunities.” Athletic 200cm key defender Bailey Van De Heuvel, who will test at the state combine, is one to watch for the Cats. The 25-year-old impressed right under their noses for Geelong’s VFL side this year and looms as a ready-made replacement for Esava Ratugolea. There are also several other late-rookie range prospects from the Geelong region – small forward Tom Anastasopoulos, medium forward Michael Rudd and Morrish medallist and inside bull Pat Hughes – who could appeal at the back-end.
GWS
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 6, 15, 54, 72, 74
GWS came one-point shy of a grand final yet hold a prized selection at the top-end, holding onto Richmond’s first pick. With clubs unwilling to shift back in the order – besides Gold Coast for a godfather offer – the Giants appear set to hold onto their pair of first round selections. Electrifying small forward Nick Watson would be a perfect fit but might not be there when the Giants are on the clock, while Nate Caddy is another exciting forward 50 option who could become a hulking midfielder. With their other first round pick, playmakers like Darcy Wilson, Caleb Windsor and Harry DeMattia would be around the mark and can bring some outside speed and class to their on-ball brigade. The Giants have shown in previous years that they aren’t afraid to go left-field – think Leek Aleer in 2021 – so don’t be shocked if they pull a shock again. GWS has access to small Harvey Thomas, and athletic key forward Charlie McCormick, who was one of the surprise packets of the national carnival with 11 goals for the Allies, through their academy. Likely to take just the three selections in the national draft, the Giants can take one of these talents as a Category B rookie – having one Cat B spot available – if either slide through to the rookie draft. But the club is yet to decide whether they will take them if a bid falls earlier.
HAWTHORN
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 3, 30, 49
The search is on for key position players during the trade period and the draft this year. The Hawks are thin down back with 30-year-old Sam Frost still holding things together, while the club’s No. 6 pick from the 2020 draft – Denver Grainger-Barras – has also not yet come on as hoped and only played seven games this season. However, Hawthorn does have access to a 194cm key defender in father-son prospect Will McCabe this year, in a timely boost. McCabe is rated a potential first-round prospect, which would therefore swallow up the Hawks’ second selection. At their first pick it will be best available, with Tasmanian midfielder Colby McKercher, mid-sized Victorian forward Zane Duursma and livewire small forward Nick Watson to be in the frame.
MELBOURNE
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 5, 13, 25, 33
The Demons look like targeting the draft this year and hold a nice hand, with four picks in the first two rounds and potentially another one to come if Brodie Grundy departs. Melbourne will weigh up whether it can move up the order, but should be able to address some list needs regardless. The forward half of the ground has been a constant issue over recent years. A player like mid-sized Victorian forward Zane Duursma may be available at the club’s first pick and could help as connector across half-forward. Alternatively, livewire small forward Nick Watson could make a nice team alongside Kysaiah Pickett in the years to come. Marking forward Nate Caddy could be another option for the second selection. A young wingman like Victorian Joel Freijah could also appeal with one of the second-round picks.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 2, 14, 19, 40, 52, 60
Having finished bottom-two on the ladder for a fourth year in the row, the Kangaroos clearly have some holes in their list that still need filling. However, after a little help from an AFL assistance package they are looking like having a strong draft hand. They will explore trading up for West Coast’s No. 1 pick to nab midfield-forward Harley Reid. Failing that, classy Tasmanian midfielder Colby McKercher would appeal, as would 195cm West Australian defender or midfielder Daniel Curtin. The Kangaroos could end up with another top-three pick as well, as compensation for free agent Ben McKay. Victorian mid-sized X-Factor forward Xavier Duursma or small forward Nick Watson would be other top-end prospects who would appeal there. With the later first-round picks, key position players – especially defenders – should be a priority. Key defenders Ollie Murphy or Arie Schoenmaker would fit the bill, as would mid-sized Tasmanian interceptor Jakes Leake.
PORT ADELAIDE
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 38, 44, 71, 89
Port Adelaide is out to bring Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Esava Ratugolea and Jordan Sweet to Alberton during the trade period. But just how the Power makes it all work with a draft hand held up by a late second-round pick is what many are watching for. For now, the question – at least from the outside – of who they take in the draft is a secondary one. After trading out two first-round picks in last year’s blockbuster deal for Jason Horne-Francis and Willie Rioli, the Power won’t pick inside the top-30 for the second consecutive season. But if list manager Jason Cripps and can orchestrate a deal that still sees recruiting boss Geoff Parker pick in the late second-round, SA captain, and versatile, composed defender, Will Patton – who has drawn comparison to fellow West Adelaide junior Will Day – is an outside chance to still be on the board.
RICHMOND
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 26, 45, 63
The Tigers are lacking key posts at both ends of the ground, with Jack Riewoldt and Robbie Tarrant having retired and Dylan Grimes and Tom Lynch both the wrong side of 30. Richmond looks like securing Hawthorn key forward Jacob Koschitzke during the trade period to team up with Lynch next year. But if they retain their second-round pick, the Tigers could look to players like 192cm marking forward Logan Morris, 193cm forward Luke Lloyd or 193cm defender Will Patton. While the club does not have a great draft hand this year, it’s worth remembering that Richmond secured five top-30 picks in 2021, who will be seeking further opportunities under new coach Adem Yze next season.
ST KILDA
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 12, 32, 51, 87
St Kilda has made no secret of its desire to add to the midfield mix after what happened the elimination final, in particular. “It needs to be at a higher-end in some of the spots to compete,” Saints Simon Lethlean told this masthead of the current midfield, in a wide-ranging interview. But he also declared “we’re not going to give away our early draft picks, because we need them”. So if the Saints can’t get what they’re after in the trade period, top-end midfield talent is likely to be at the top of the hit list come draft time. Given he’s shown there’s definite scope for growth on the inside, classy Eastern Ranges midfielder Caleb Windsor would have to be in the mix at pick 12 – a selection that will push out after the Gold Coast academy bids. Darcy Wilson is another line-breaking runner who kicks goals and Nate Caddy is a player who can turn the game in the front-half – a seemingly perfect fit given the defensive side of Ross Lyon’s game is working. One of the draft’s biggest x-factors Ashton Moir is similar and he might be available at 32. Wingman Josh Docking, who made one appearance for Vic Metro, is a next generation academy prospect who might come under consideration later in the draft.
SYDNEY
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 11, 23, 31, 41, 50
The numbers expose Sydney’s glaring area of need: the engine room. The Swans ranked 17th for clearances, 15th for centre clearances, 14th for contested possessions and 14th for points from clearances – the latter being the most important metric of all. In spite of this they still made it into an elimination final. The acquisition of starved ruckman Brodie Grundy along with the possible recruits of free agent James Jordon and Paddy Dow in the trade and free agency period will help fill the midfield void – especially with the lack of midfielders available in this draft. Sydney is unlikely to move its first pick and will consider taking a key defender, another area that they need to address after missing out on targets Ben McKay and Tom Barrass, with developing interceptor Ollie Murphy one with appeal at that range in the draft. The Swans also have second and third round picks (23 and 41) tied to Hawthorn, but they may only take two or three selections in the national draft with list spots tight. They have been known to pick players with versatility, which could bring swingman James Leake and speedster Harry DeMattia into play at their first two picks that will be pushed out by bids. Swans Academy prospect Caiden Cleary, a hard-nosed clearance winner, has impressed the club with his improvement this year and may attract a rival bid in the back-half of the draft.
WEST COAST
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 1, 20, 34, 39, 53, 58, 76
To Harley Reid or not to Harley Reid? That’s the big question facing the Eagles, who hold the prized first selection this year’s draft. Given his generational talent, the answer isn’t a straightforward one. But it is likely to revolve around local star Daniel Curtin. The Claremont teenager has starred as a tall defender and big-bodied midfielder this year, and if the Eagles could guarantee his selection when moving down the order, they might just capitalise on the Victorian desire for Reid. Especially if they get another top-10 pick in the deal, with the top-end traits of Zane Duursma, Colby McKercher and Nick Watson to sit perfectly alongside last year’s impressive draft crop. West Coast has shown it won’t just draft locally but, at 20 – and beyond – fellow WA prospects Riley Hardeman, Koltyn Tholstrup and Zane Zakostelsky might appeal. The club will be hoping late bolter and NGA prospect Lance Collard – a speedy, skilful small-forward – gets past pick 40 without a bid, but after a brilliant finish to the year, that now looks unlikely. Club-aligned big man Coen Livingstone should, though.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Draft Picks before Trade Period: 10, 17, 37, 64, 67, 70
Rivals believe the Western Bulldogs are in the box seat to land Gold Coast’s prized top four pick, with pick 10, 17 and their future first round selection on the table. It makes sense for the Bulldogs given a bid for father-son key forward Jordan Croft, the son of Matthew, could come between their two first-round picks. Holding pick four could help them land a dynamic midfielder like Zane Duursma or Colby McKercher. Alternatively, livewire forward Nick Watson would spice up their forward line and form a mouthwatering combination with Cody Weightman and talls Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton. The Bulldogs’ list isn’t seriously lacking in one area but the club ranked last in the competition for defensive one-on-one wins and 14th for defensive half intercepts. It comes with a touch of irony that their Next Generation Academy talent Luamon Lual, who appears likely to attract a bid inside the top 40, would help address this need as a great one-on-one defender who is poised with ball-in-hand. But the Bulldogs have hit the jackpot in recent years with NGA top-pick Ugle-Hagan and father-son Sam Darcy.
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