AFL 2023: The ‘unbelievable’ draft prospect who could be the lock first overall selection

One super talent is so highly rated by recruiters, they suggest he would be the top pick in this year’s draft — the only issue is, he’s not eligible until 2023. Find out more here.

Harley Reid is looming as next year’s top draft pick. Picture: Getty Images

Versatile Victorian Harley Reid has emerged as an early favourite to be the No. 1 draft pick in 2023 after producing an “unbelievable” bottom-age season which left recruiters in awe.

Reid starred at the national championships for Vic Country to be one of only two bottom-age players included in the Under 18 All-Australian Team.

The 17-year-old also shone brightly across 12 matches as a bottom-age player for the Bendigo Pioneers in the NAB League.

Recruiters have been impressed by Reid’s ball-winning ability, overhead marking capabilities, one-on-one defending, explosive breakaway speed and his strength to fend off opponents.

His ability to impact whether he is playing through the midfield, in defence or in the forward line has also been a big tick.

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“I’d pick him at No. 1 in this year’s draft if he was available,” one club recruiting manager said.

“There’s not much he can’t do.”

Reid is one of 30 players to be included in the 2023 NAB AFL Academy squad, featuring a selection of the best 17-year-old footballers from across the country.

The squad is set to come together for an induction camp next month.

Recruiters are tipping next year to be a ‘Super Draft’, with fellow Victorians Nick Watson and Zane Duursma, Gold Coast Suns Academy member Jed Walter, South Australia’s Ashton Moir and Western Australia’s Daniel Curtain among other highly-rated prospects to be included in the AFL Academy squad.

“We all see an enormous amount of potential in all of the players and look forward to watching them grow over the next 12 months,” AFL Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer said.

“It’s captivating when you get to this time of year and think what could be, how they compare to previous years and individually what sort of players do they play like.”

A further 30 players have been included in the NAB AFLW Academy squad, headlined by South Australian Shineah Goody and West Australian cross-code star Georgie Cleaver.

Shineah Goody during the 2022 AFLW U18 Girls Championships match between South Australia and Vic Country. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Goody won the MVP award from this year’s AFLW National Championships, while Cleaver also represents her state in netball.

“The players coming through are outstanding athletes who have great skills and are really driven,” Lockyer said.

“We’re seeing levels of professionalism that are growing year-on-year. For the athletes coming through these days, it’s great to see that AFLW is a first-choice sport.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: The ‘unbelievable’ draft prospect who could be the lock first overall selection