AFL Draft Drama Unfolds: The highly anticipated 2023 AFL Draft is poised to unveil significant surprises and potential game-changing moves. The event, set to take place in Melbourne, promises to be a pivotal moment for emerging stars as they embark on their AFL journey.
Harley Reid, a standout midfielder likened to Richmond’s Dustin Martin, is the frontrunner for the coveted No. 1 pick. With West Coast holding this prime selection, speculation surrounds whether they will opt for Reid or entertain offers from rival clubs looking to secure the top spot.
North Melbourne enters the draft with a substantial hand, possessing five picks in the first round (2, 3, 15, 17, and 18). Among the prospects attracting attention is key defender Dan Curtin, whose stock has risen in recent evaluations. The 197cm talent is rumored to be on West Coast’s radar, possibly prompting them to trade their 2024 first-round pick to secure Curtin alongside Reid.
The GWS Giants, holding pick No. 7, could play a pivotal role in Curtin’s fate. West Coast’s potential offer of their 2024 top pick adds an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding draft drama.
Also Read: AFL Draft Drama Unfolds: Reid, Curtin, and the Game-Changing Moves
The departure of Ben McKay to Essendon in the trade period has left North Melbourne seeking to fortify their key position stocks, making them a contender for Curtin. Coach Alastair Clarkson’s keen interest and a visit to Curtin in Perth suggest a potential match between the Kangaroos and the West Australian prospect.
AFL draft expert Cal Twomey notes that Curtin’s draft placement could reshape the entire top 10 picks. Hawthorn, Melbourne, Geelong, Essendon, and Adelaide are all closely monitoring this key defender, creating a dynamic draft landscape.
With five first-round picks, Dale Thomas underscores the significance of this draft for North Melbourne, emphasizing the potential for it to define the club’s future.
In addition to the Reid-Curtin saga, other notable draft projections include Hawthorn’s interest in small forward Nick Watson, the Western Bulldogs eyeing Ryley Sanders, Melbourne focusing on Caleb Windsor, and North Melbourne’s expected pick of Zane Duursma.
As the countdown to the 2023 AFL Draft begins, the football world eagerly awaits the unveiling of talent and the strategic moves that will shape the league’s landscape in the seasons to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
How does the 2023 AFL Draft work?
The 2023 AFL pre-season draft and 2023 AFL rookie draft are scheduled to take place online on Wednesday, November 22, starting at 3pm (AEDT). The draft picks are awarded to all 18 clubs based on their reverse finishing order from the previous AFL season. This means that the team that finished last in the previous season will have the first pick in the draft, while the team that finished first will have the last pick. The AFL draft is a crucial event for all clubs as it allows them to select the best young talent to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.
How long does the AFL draft go for?
The 2023 AFL national draft is scheduled to take place over two days, starting on Monday November 20 and concluding on Tuesday November 21. Coverage of both nights will begin at 7pm (AEDT). The first round of the draft will be held on the first day, with up to 29 picks expected to be made.
Will Ashton Moir get drafted?
Carlton has added a new player to their team, Ashton Moir, who was selected with pick No. 29 in the 2023 AFL Draft. Moir, a versatile forward from Glenelg, is known for his exceptional talent and has been on the radar of AFL clubs since he was just 17 years old. His arrival is sure to bring a new level of excitement to the team.
How does AFL draft night work?
The draft is a crucial event for AFL clubs to scout and recruit the top under-18 footballers across the nation. The draft order is based on the reverse of the season’s ladder, but clubs can trade their selections with each other and even across different years. This allows for strategic planning and the opportunity to secure the best talent for their team.