What will West Coast do with pick one in the 2023 National Draft, should the cards fall that way?
That’s the question on the lips of recruiters as draft talk heats up, with the Eagles set to play a major role in how it unfolds.
West Coast already has to contend with suggestions likely no.1 pick Harley Reid isn’t overly keen to move to Perth, while AFL Draft expert Mick Ablett believes there’s another spanner in the works.
He warned the Eagles not to miss out on likely top five pick Daniel Curtin, who North Melbourne could swoop on with pick two.
“If West Coast were to trade out pick one and not with the Kangaroos, I think they miss out on not only an elite talent and generational player in Harley Reid, they could potentially miss out on WA’s best prospect in Daniel Curtin,” he told SEN WA Breakfast.
“I think that’d be a disaster for the West Coast Eagles.”
North Melbourne is also a live chance to receive pick three as well should that be the compensation pick if Ben McKay leaves.
Curtin would prove a like-for-like replacement for McKay should he be available to the Kangaroos.
Ablett suggested that if the Eagles do trade pick one, they need to find a way to secure Curtin in the deal, putting massive raps on his name.
The Claremont swingman has played at either end of the ground while also featuring through the midfield in 2023.
“Daniel Curtin for mine, I think he could be Matthew Pavlich,” Ablett declared.
“I think his ability to play at either end of the ground as well as roll through the midfield, I think this kid is very, very special.
“In any other draft, we’d probably be talking a lot more about him.
“I know all the hype is around Harley Reid, but I think he’s got a big future, Daniel Curtin.”
Fellow draft guru Cal Twomey has Curtin at no.5 in his July phantom draft.
The 18-year-old was rated WA’s MVP for his performances across the National Championships earlier this year and also earnt the praise of Kevin Sheehan.
“He’s been a star across the four games,” the AFL talent ambassador said.
“His versatility has been excellent, but I see him as a tall defender at 195cm roughly. He reads it, intercepts well and his use is pretty special, very composed under pressure.”