The extended first round of the 2023 AFL Draft took place on Monday night.
As expected, West Coast selected Harley Reid with Pick 1 before North Melbourne took Colby McKercher at 2 and Gold Coast drafted Academy product Jed Walter with Pick 3.
The Kangaroos selected Zane Duursma with Pick 4 before Hawthorn took Nick Watson at 5.
Ryley Sanders went to the Western Bulldogs at 6, Caleb Windsor joined Melbourne at 7, Adelaide traded up to surprisingly select Daniel Curtin at 8, Ethan Read landed at the Suns at 9 and Nate Caddy was picked up by Essendon at 10.
Check out a snapshot of each of the Top 10 players taken on the opening night of the draft:
Pick 1
Harley Reid (West Coast)
From: Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country.
Description: Outstanding midfielder. Premier talent.
What the club says: Midfield powerhouse Reid enjoyed a dominant season in the under-18s competition as well as the National Championships and was generally expected to be secured with the first pick.
The quote: “We identified Harley as player we were keen to bring into club before we were locked into the No.1 draft position. We believe Harley will be central to the club’s build and look forward to seeing him play alongside some of the other players already on our list,” – Eagles list manager Rohan O’Brien.
Pick 2
Colby McKercher (North Melbourne)
From: Tasmania/Allies.
Description: Silky midfielder. Game breaker.
What the club says: A prolific ball-winner with eye-catching speed and a sharp left foot, McKercher has the ability to explode away from stoppages and create forward-half opportunities for his teammates.
The quote: “I can't wait to get to know (senior coach Alastair Clarkson) better and learn off him and improve my game and hopefully be a part of something special. It's probably been the best day of my life so far. A super exciting moment,” – Colby McKercher, via Fox Footy.
Pick 3
Jed Walter (Gold Coast)
From: Gold Coast Academy/Allies.
Description: Athletic forward with raw power.
What the club says: Walter has a real physical presence up forward with his appetite for the contest, along with his second efforts and tackling pressure. He has an impressive representative record, receiving Under-18 All-Australian honours in both 2022 as an under-ager and 2023.
The quote: “It’s been a long wait but we’re really excited to finally have Jed on our AFL list. We have watched Jed develop into the player he is today since he first joined the SUNS Academy and we can’t wait for him to make his mark on the AFL competition next year and beyond,” – Gold Coast National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns.
Pick 4
Zane Duursma (North Melbourne)
From: Gippsland Power/Vic Country.
Description: High-leaping and classy forward. Smooth-moving excitement machine.
What the club says: A reliable goalkicker and strong mark inside 50, Duursma poses a threat both in the air and on the ground with his 189cm frame and all-round athleticism.
The quote: “I'm really excited and stoked to be (at the club). The future's really bright at North Melbourne so looking forward to being part of that,” – Zane Duursma, via Fox Footy.
Pick 5
Nick Watson (Hawthorn)
From: Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro.
Description: Electric small forward.
What the club says: Known as ‘The Wizard’ for his ability to do special things in attack, Watson is among the most exciting prospects in this year’s draft. As the leading goal-kicker at this year’s AFL Under-18 Championships, he has been tipped to join the likes of small forward greats including Luke Breust and Eddie Betts.
Pick 6
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs)
From: Sandringham Dragons/North Launceston/Allies.
Description: Powerful and courageous midfielder. Leader.
What the club says: Sanders is a strong-bodied, accumulative and hard-working midfielder that possesses the ability to play both inside and outside. Sanders was also named captain of the All-Australian team after leading the Allies to their maiden title, highlighting his impact and leadership qualities.
Pick 7
Caleb Windsor (Melbourne)
From: Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro.
Description: Speedy and dangerous winger.
What the club says: When used offensively, he uses his pace to break the game open. When used defensively, he’s been seen to pull off impressive chase downs to switch the momentum of the match. His speed and agility are the two components to his game that are without a doubt his most dangerous.
Pick 8
Daniel Curtin (Adelaide)
From: Claremont/Western Australia.
Description: Talented key defender with versatility.
What the club says: Considered the best key defender in this year’s draft, Curtin is a 197cm left footer who has excellent speed, agility and foot skills. He had an outstanding national championships for WA where he averaged 23 disposals and six marks per game playing as a defender and midfielder.
The quote: “So we are ecstatic, it was pretty bold the move but credit to ‘Reidy’ (list boss Justin Reid) and the analysts they had all the scenarios ready to go and we were able to work with the Giants to get it done,” – Adelaide national recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie on trading up to get Curtin, via The Advertiser.
Pick 9
Ethan Read (Gold Coast)
From: Gold Coast Academy/Allies.
Description: Exciting ruckman. Dominant force.
What the club says: Read is a mobile and skilful ruckman whose work rate and ball use are outstanding features of his game, along with his aggressive work at stoppages.
The quote: “Ethan has been in our Academy since he was 13 and has shown some remarkable attributes which will translate well at AFL level. He has physicality and height, but what is most exciting is his elite running ability which is more akin to a midfielder, as well as his excellent skills and ball-use,” – Gold Coast National Recruiting Manager Kall Burns.
Pick 10
Nate Caddy (Essendon)
From: Northern Knights/Vic Metro
Description: Unique goal kicker. Athletic specimen.
What the club says: Caddy excelled in the second half of the season, playing as a general forward. The nephew of two-time Richmond premiership player Josh Caddy was excellent in the Coates Talent League and also put together strong performances representing Vic Metro.
