With the trade period and 2023 season proper complete, attention now turns to the draft.
The first round of the draft is set for November 20, while the second and subsequent rounds will take place on November 21.
Some clubs like North Melbourne enter the draft with a suite of quality picks, while other clubs like Port Adelaide will enter the draft late.
Taking into account the picks at their disposal, we’ve assessed how all 18 clubs should attack the draft and the type of player or players they should target.
See our thoughts below:
2023 draft hand: 10, 14, 20, 89
The Crows have a fairly strong hand in this year’s draft with three first-round selections.
With that being the case, they could still package those up in order to get higher in the pecking order, but we’ll take a look at them with the picks they currently have.
They could look for some outside polish to add to the grunt they already have through the midfield. Josh Rachele’s fellow Murray Bushrangers product Darcy Wilson fits the bill with his speed and ball use on the outside. He can also operate as a medium sized forward.
Caleb Windsor, a goal-kicking winger/midfielder from the Eastern Ranges, could also be in their sights wirth one of their top few picks.
The next step from there could be to find a rounded midfield with both inside and outside ability to step into a Rory Laird or Rory Sloane role in a few years.
Another option late in the first round could be athletic ruckman Taylor Goad who could be seen as a successor to Reilly O’Brien a few years down the track.
Provided the Crows were to package their trio of prized picks together, then they could move up the order and go after a gun key position player like Connor O’Sullivan who would bolster their backline and form a long-term partnership with Nick Murray.
Verdict: A classy outside midfielder the priority, before depth in other areas.
Andrew Slevison
2023 draft hand: 30, 39, 51, 54, 67, 97
Brisbane come to the draft with a handful of handy picks including selections number 30, 39, 51 and 54.
While none of those picks are at the top end, the Lions don’t need much more A-grade talent coming off a Grand Final appearance.
One area where they were beaten by Collingwood in the big game was through the midfield. While they have stars in that part of the ground, they didn’t have the depth the Pies had and that was shown with Will Ashcroft sidelined with a knee injury.
It wouldn’t hurt Brisbane to go with the best available midfielder with their first pick, and potentially a prospect that could come in and play immediately alongside the likes of Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley.
A player like GWV Rebels midfielder George Stevens could be in their calculations. He enters the AFL at 189cm and 100kg and is ready-made. He has been tipped to be taken somewhere in the second-round and could be in the Lions’ plans with their first pick.
Verdict: Best available midfielder.
Lachlan Geleit
2023 draft hand: 22, 28, 70, 78, 96
Carlton enters the draft with picks 22 and 28 and should utilise these by taking the best midfielders available.
The club has lost some depth in the last two seasons with Paddy Dow, Ed Curnow and Will Setterfield now out the door and while they have a strong top-end on-ball unit, they need to start rebuilding underneath them.
Victorian midfielders Charlie Edwards and George Stevens should fall approximately in that range. Whoever they take, their eye should be on someone who could step up if needed in 2024.
Carlton needs another key forward on their list as well, but should target ready-made types rather than a teenage development prospect. Could they look to the state leagues with a later draft pick?
Verdict: Midfield depth and key position depth.
Nic Negrepontis
2023 draft hand: 19, 33, 80, 98
Collingwood enters the draft with picks 19 and 33 and will likely use just those two selections.
Coming off a premiership, the Magpies don’t want for much, but using either their first or second-round draft pick on a tall wouldn’t be met with displeasure from their fans.
The last 195cm + tall Collingwood took in first two rounds of the draft that wasn’t a father-son was Brodie Grundy, prior to that it was when both Ben Reid and Nathan Brown were taken at picks eight and 10 in the 2006 Draft.
Simply put, the Magpies don’t like using draft picks on talls and instead seem to take them in rookie drafts or acquire them in trades.
You can’t knock their list-building plans as they seem to be perpetually playing in September and won a flag last season, but the Pies could do with some more top-line tall talent coming through.
Apart from that need, the Pies should go with the best available at their pick.
Verdict: Key position.
Lachlan Geleit
2023 draft hand: 9, 31, 35, 61, 88
Essendon enters the National Draft later this month with three picks in the first 35, it’s their prized pick nine which holds the key.
After a litany of top draft picks in recent years – with mixed results so far – the Bombers are in desperate need to find either a tall midfielder to compliment the likes of Jye Caldwell, Ben Hobbs, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and more or a tall defender.
A lot rests on how Zach Reid progresses from injury heading into 2024, with the talented tall back restricted to just eight games in three years due to several injuries.
Two players which would fit the bill are 192cm Northern Knights mid/forward Nate Caddy or if Adrian Dodoro and his team opt for a defender, Murray Bushrangers’ Connor O’Sullivan could be an option.
The Bombers are lucky enough to have plenty of top draft picks on their list. They’ll be looking to add to that at the National Draft later this month.
Verdict: Midfield size or key position depth.
Laurence Rosen
2023 draft hand: 34, 46, 60, 64, 85
Fremantle will have a quiet night at the draft you’d imagine, with picks 34, 46, 60 and 64. They may be able to package three of those up and get into the high 20s, but it’s all a much-of-a-muchness at that point given it is expected to be a quiet shallow draft.
Could the Dockers swing for a high upside small forward like Glenelg’s Ashton Moir, who was rated as a first-round pick before an injury riddled season? He could replace Lachie Schultz on the depth chart at least.
Claremont key defender Zane Zakostelsky could also be available at their pick as a player to develop. Local talent tends to be a good tiebreaker for the West Australian sides.
Verdict: Might as well swing for the fences at the back end of the draft.
Nic Negrepontis
2023 draft hand: 8, 25, 76, 87, 94
Geelong’s selection no.8 in the National Draft is the centerpiece of its November plans, while they also secured pick 25 when Esava Ratugolea left.
But those are the only two picks when Geelong can find a player potentially wanted by other clubs, with the remaining selections not to come before pick 76 as it stands.
The Cats were particularly exposed in the midfield throughout 2023 and a ready-made on-baller would serve a treat.
If Sandringham Dragon Riley Sanders slips to the Cats’ first pick they would love to select the consistent ball-winner, while a dynamic key forward could also appeal.
Jordan Croft would appeal in that sense, but the Bulldogs would likely match a father-son bid.
Verdict: A bit of Stephen Wells' magic would help with an impressive midfielder.
Seb Mottram
2023 draft hand: 24, 26, 27, 32, 36, 38, 66, 71, 74, 84
The Suns’ official first pick may come at 24, however they have a plethora of Academy players to choose from this season.
This crop is headed by solid key forward Jed Walter, who is regarded as the second-best player in the draft due to his well-spread skillset and will compliment Ben King nicely.
Only seven places later in AFL draft guru Cal Twomey’s mock draft is ruckman Ethan Read, who ran an impressive 5:56 minute 2km time trial despite his height, with his endurance supported by his solid skills.
Hard-working small midfielder Jake Rogers is another highly-touted Academy name, who featured in a few Gold Coast VFL matches towards the end of the year. This year’s draft has a strong local theme, which will have new coach Damien Hardwick licking his lips as he takes the reigns.
Verdict: Back in local talent.
Paddy Sinnott
2023 draft hand: 7, 16, 43, 59, 77, 79, 95
GWS have an impressive draft hand despite their Preliminary Final finish this season, with two first-round picks (7 and 16), as well as picks 59, 77, 79 and 95. Their current backline is strong, but they could certainly do with further additions to their midfield or forward brigade.
Around the mark of their first selection is ball magnet Ryley Sanders, who could add to their already-strong midfield, particularly as Stephen Coniglio and Callan Ward enter the twilight of their career.
Mid-forward Nate Caddy would also slot nicely into the Giants’ list, with his versatility and exciting nature suitable for their attacking style. Further down the order, Western Australian mid-forward Koltyn Tholstrup could add some strength and physicality to their front half.
Whilst West Coast own the rights to him, GWS could also have a crack at speedster Lance Collard, a Bobby Hill-like, crafty small forward.
Verdict: Best available midfielder or forward.
Paddy Sinnott
2023 draft hand: 4, 44, 47, 49, 62, 63, 83
Hawthorn head into the 2023 national draft with picks 4 (to become pick 5), 44, 47, 49, 62, 63 and 83. When you look at their list, they lack quality key position depth at both ends, a quality high-pressure small forward and a wingman.
The additions of Mabior Chol (key forward), Massimo D’Ambrosio (small defender), Jack Gunston (forward) and Jack Ginnivan (small-medium forward) during the trade period will help but it’s not enough to see the Hawks rise up the ladder and challenge to play finals in 2024.
Who they select with their first pick (5) in this year’s draft is certain to generate strong discussion amongst their supporter base. Over the past few years the Hawks have played it safe at draft time, selecting who they believed to be the best available midfielders in Josh Ward (pick 7) and Cam Mackenzie (pick 6) with their first picks. Both look set to be 200-plus game players.
This year, the Hawks are set to select one of Zane Duursma (forward/midfielder), Nick Watson (small forward), Daniel Curtin (key defender) or Colby McKercher (midfielder). All look like quality players that would all play at AFL level with the Hawks in 2024.
With their second selection, the Hawks will select father-son Will McCabe, a highly rated key position defender who played for South Australia in the Under 18 National Championships and performed at a high level. McCabe is rated as a top-25 prospect who is set to have a quality AFL career. He is still very raw (197m and 87kgs) and will likely spend 2024 learning his craft at Box Hill in the VFL.
Verdict: The Hawks still need elite talent in all positions. Must pick a star player at 5 that makes an immediate impact in 2024 ahead of a quality AFL career.
Brad Klibansky
2023 draft hand: 6, 11, 42, 93
Despite their heavy interest in trying to trade up for Harley Reid, Melbourne’s biggest need remains to be a player that can help bolster their forward line almost immediately.
Having a favourable draft hand of picks 6, 11, 42 and 93 helps the club in trying to achieve this. Being able to acquire a small forward like Nick Watson (who is one of highest rated forwards in this year’s draft) could be a very good start in trying to achieve this need if he was to fall to their first pick.
Realistically, Nate Caddy is somebody who looks likely to be high on the Demons radar for pick 6. On a lesser note, some depth pieces to their ruck stocks are something that must be considered. With the departure of Brodie Grundy and the end of Max Gawn’s career edging closer and closer, this will be a position that will be heavily influential to the team’s success in years to come.
Someone like South Australian ruckmen Taylor Goad, who clocked an impressive time of 2.96 seconds over 20 metres in this year’s draft combine, could be an option if he was still available at Melbourne’s third pick in the draft.
Verdict: Draft the best forward available, ruck depth with what is available.
Zac Sharpe
2023 draft hand: 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 57, 82
Don’t over think this, North Melbourne. You have the best draft hand we have seen in a very long time and will need to use their picks to shape the future of their football club.
They head in with picks two and three as well as 15, 17 and 18 – which they could package up to get higher up.
Assuming Harley Reid is off the board, the Roos should first bid on Jed Walter – who would have been perfect for them – at pick two and force Gold Coast’s hand. They will be tempted by versatile West Australian Daniel Curtin as well given their lack of key defenders.
However, the Roos should simply take best available talent with two and three and work out the fit later. Whether that’s Zane Duursma, Colby McKercher, Nick Watson or anyone else, the Roos simply must accumulate talent.
The Roos should attempt to package up two of their picks in the teens to try and grab 198cm key position swingman Connor O’Sullivan, who is currently ranked 10th in Cal Twomey’s rankings.
Verdict: Best available at 2 and 3, key position players in the teens.
Nic Negrepontis
2023 draft hand: 73
Port Adelaide has put its concerns with the 2023 draft crop on the record and as such, are only taking one pick into the National Draft as it stands.
As long as the Power elevate some rookies onto their senior list, it’s a move that is permitted.
But for list manager Jason Cripps and his team, it’ll leave them with a difficult task to secure a desirable draft prospect.
Selection no.73 should come into the 50s when clubs pass on picks. Port’s midfield is set up for the next decade, but there are concerns at either end of the ground, particularly in the talls department.
The Power snared talented key forward Ollie Lord with pick 49 in 2020, while Connor Idun and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher have both been taken in the 60s in recent years.
There’s hope for Port finding a diamond in the rough in November.
Verdict: Hope to find a talented tall that can be developed in the SANFL in the coming years.
Seb Mottram
2023 draft hand: 29, 41, 65, 68, 86
The Tigers need a key forward for the future.
Jack Riewoldt is gone and beyond Tom Lynch, who has had his fair share of injury troubles, it’s slim pickings.
The club recruited Jacob Koschitzke from Hawthorn in the trade period but he didn’t do much to really get excited about.
With Pick 29, the Tigers could do worse than go after a forward like Logan Morris who has a knack for kicking goals. The hard-working 191cm forward is relatively undersized for a key forward, but has delivered 30 or more goals in each of the last two Coates Talent League seasons with the Western Jets.
Gippsland Power and Vic Country key forward Archer Reid, the younger brother of Essendon’s Zach, could also be an option in the late 20s.
The Tigers do not have a strong hand in 2023, having spent some draft capital to get Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper last year, so picking up exactly what they need with their few selections could be a challenge.
Verdict: A key forward for the future.
Andrew Slevison
2023 draft hand: 13, 21, 40, 92
The Saints should continue their pursuit of game-breaking top-end talent with pick 13 in this draft, which simply means taking the best available player. The likes of Nasaiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitchito Owens, Mattaes Phillipou and now Liam Henry are a talented young core to build around.
Someone like West Australian Lance Collard could be a target with their first pick, particularly with Jade Gresham’s spot in the best 22 now up for grabs.
The Saints also have pick 21 and could do with a young ruckman to develop behind Rowan Marshall. Someone who could become a capable backup or partner for the 27-year-old star. The likes of Will Green, Mitch Edwards and Taylor Goad are all rated as second round pick options.
Verdict: Classy midfielder who can start across half-forward and a young ruckman.
Nic Negrepontis
The Swans are in a unique position heading into the 2023 AFL draft. Sydney arguably won the trade period after acquiring Melbourne utility James Jordon and Fremantle defender Joel Hamling in free agency. The Swans also won the Brodie Grundy sweepstakes and in turn, found a much needed ruck replacement for Tom Hickey. Taylor Adams is another terrific pick-up to add to their already stacked midfield.
After the trade period, the Swans are now primed for another tilt at a flag and aren’t crying out for anything particular in the draft. Sydney have picks 12, 45, 55 and 91. The Swans forward line is dominated by talls with Hayden McLean, Joel Amartey and Logan McDonald. Tom Papley remains as the only genuine small forward who has the ability to kick multiple goals and be a match winner.
Vic Metro prospect Nick Watson shapes up as the best small forward in the draft but the Swans would be unlikely to get him considering he is expected to be selected early. The next-best genuine small forward is Phoenix Gothard who impressed at the combine with his 20-metre sprint and vertical jump.
The Swans have one of the best midfield groups in the competition and don’t require any more midfield depth but a a midfield/forward hybrid could be on the cards with Vic Country’s Darcy Wilson and WA’s Koltyn Tholstrup looking like viable options.
Verdict - Draft the best available small forward to compliment the talls.
Charles Goodsir
2023 draft hand: 12, 45, 55, 91
2023 draft hand: 1, 23, 37, 58, 81
Considering the state of their list, the Eagles shouldn’t place too much stock in positional needs and instead focus on simply acquiring as much talent as possible.
Armed with the first overall pick, Harley Reid is being touted as the saviour for the toiling club, and the consensus top prospect would immediately become the focal point of West Coast’s midfield.
Yet with no other picks in the first round, the question continues to be asked of whether the Eagles should hand off the top selection in exchange for a haul of quality picks that can be used to completely overhaul their list in a single draft.
With hometown boy Daniel Curtin looking to be an appealing selection for West Coast instead of Reid, the Eagles would certainly be wise to split the top pick to take Curtin as well as a slew of other prospects.
Regardless of which route West Coast takes, it will be difficult for them to slip up in this draft, as long as they make sheer talent their highest priority.
Verdict: As much talent as they can get.
Jack Makeham
2023 draft hand: 5, 48, 50, 52, 53, 56, 69, 72, 75, 90
The Bulldogs clearly have something in mind in this draft after their aggressive moves in the trade period. They sent out a pair of late first-round picks in exchange for Gold Coast’s coveted pick 5, putting them in the mix for some of the draft’s top prospects.
In this position, the Bulldogs likely has just two names at the top of their draft board: Nick Watson and Riley Sanders.
An immensely exciting small forward, Watson is one of the most prolific goalkickers of this draft, having displayed an uncanny knack for mustering a goal out of nowhere. A talent like this could provide a new dynamic to a Bulldogs forward line that has become reliant on talls in recent seasons.
On the other hand, the Dogs could look to take Sanders, a consistent ballwinner who will likely be the top midfielder available at this point on the board. While the midfield is hardly a weakness for the Bulldogs, their current star-studded crop does have a noticeable lack of youth, and Sanders could be the bridge to the next iteration of their engine room.
With key-position prospect Jordan Croft already tied to the Bulldogs as a father-son selection, pick five should be used in a different direction.
Verdict: Take the best non-key position talent available at pick 5, then snag Jordan Croft.
Jack Makeham
