2023 AFL draft
The 2023 AFL draft was the annual national player selection process for the 18 clubs of the Australian Football League (AFL), held on 20 November 2023 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, with the West Coast Eagles selecting highly rated midfielder Harley Reid as the No. 1 overall pick.[1][2] A total of 64 players were chosen in the national draft from over 900 nominees, marking a shortened list compared to prior years due to clubs focusing on higher-quality selections rather than speculative late picks.[3][2] The draft showcased a talented pool of prospects, particularly in midfield and key forward positions, with the first round extending to 29 picks to accommodate bids on Next Generation Academy and father-son nominees.[3][2] Gold Coast matched bids on four academy products in the opening round, including Jed Walter at No. 3, after executing 13 trades during the exchange period to secure their positions.[2][3] North Melbourne bolstered their rebuild by taking versatile defender Colby McKercher at No. 2 and forward Zane Duursma at No. 4, while Hawthorn added father-son selection Will McCabe at No. 9.[3][2] Notable surprises included Albury's Phoenix Gothard rising as a bolter to Greater Western Sydney at No. 12, alongside unexpected early selections like Billy Wilson and Shaun Mannagh within the top 40.[2] The event reflected growing national diversity, with only eight of the top 20 picks hailing from Victoria—the fewest since 2002—and a strong representation from Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania.[2] Following the national draft, the pre-season and rookie drafts on 21 November added further players, including re-listings and second-chance opportunities for mature-age talents.[3]Key Dates and Rules
Key Dates
The 2023 AFL draft process followed a structured timeline that included preparatory events, player movement periods, and selection nights, all coordinated by the Australian Football League (AFL) to facilitate club list management and talent acquisition.[4] The mid-season rookie draft occurred on Wednesday, 31 May 2023, between rounds 11 and 12 of the AFL season, allowing up to 12 clubs with inactive list spots to select from a pool of nominated players.[5] Key preparatory activities took place in October, starting with the national AFL Draft Combine held from Friday, 6 October to Sunday, 8 October 2023, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Margaret Court Arena, where invited prospects underwent physical and cognitive testing.[4] State draft combines followed on 8 October for Victoria in Melbourne, 14 October for South Australia in Adelaide, and 15 October for Western Australia in Perth.[6] Draft nominations opened on Tuesday, 10 October 2023 at 9am AEDT, enabling eligible players to register for the national draft.[4] The free agency period ran from Friday, 6 October 2023 at 9am AEDT to Friday, 13 October 2023 at 5pm AEDT, during which unrestricted and restricted free agents could sign with new clubs.[4] The trade period commenced on Monday, 9 October 2023 at 9am AEDT and concluded on Wednesday, 18 October 2023 at 7.30pm AEDT, permitting clubs to exchange players and future draft picks.[4] National draft nominations closed on Monday, 13 November 2023 at 3pm AEDT, finalizing the pool of prospects available for selection.[4] The national draft was conducted over two nights at Marvel Stadium: round one on Monday, 20 November 2023 starting at 7pm AEDT, followed by rounds two and beyond on Tuesday, 21 November 2023.[4] The pre-season draft began at 3pm AEDT on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, immediately followed by the rookie draft at 3.20pm AEDT, allowing clubs to select from delisted players and other eligible candidates.[4]Eligibility and Selection Rules
The eligibility criteria for the 2023 AFL national draft required players to be at least 18 years old by 31 December 2023, to have nominated for selection via the official AFL Form 11, and to not be currently bound to any AFL club through a prior listing without having had their rights properly relinquished under league rules.[7][8] Eligible players also needed to meet registration standards, including continuous participation in a recognized Australian football competition since at least 1 June of the relevant year or prior AFL registration, with Australian citizenship or permanent residency as a standard requirement for national draft participants (international players faced separate quota restrictions).[7][9] Special provisions applied to father-son, academy, and Next Generation Academy (NGA) nominations, which allowed affiliated clubs priority access through a bidding system. For father-son eligibility, a player's parent (or grandparent in some cases) must have played at least 100 senior games for the club; nominated players could be matched by their eligible club using equivalent points from the Draft Value Index (DVI), where bids were placed in draft order and resolved before proceeding to standard selections.[7][10] Academy and NGA players, typically from designated development zones or underrepresented backgrounds (such as Indigenous or Pacific Islander heritage), required five continuous years of domicile in the club's region and were subject to the same DVI bidding process. Under 2023 rules, clubs were unable to match bids on NGA players if placed within the top 40 selections, but could match bids outside the top 40 using equivalent points from the Draft Value Index. This restriction did not apply to academy players, who could be matched at any draft position. Previously listed players were ineligible for these categories to prevent circumvention of standard draft processes.[7][10] Clubs participating in the draft were required to have available list spots, with a maximum senior list size of 44 players and a rookie list capped at 8 (comprising up to 4 Category A rookies under 23 years old and up to 4 Category B rookies for non-playing or non-standard roles).[7][10] At least three senior list vacancies were mandated for clubs to bid on or select national draft players, ensuring list management compliance before any allocation.[10] Rookie selections did not require senior list spots but were limited to players overlooked in the national draft or meeting specific criteria like prior state league experience. Prospect lists for the 2023 draft denoted players who had never participated in VFL or AFL home-and-away matches or finals, distinguishing them from those with prior senior exposure to highlight their development stage and eligibility under standard unlisted pathways.[8] This notation applied consistently across drafts to aid clubs in assessing raw talent versus experienced prospects.[10]Player List Management
Retirements
In 2023, a total of 35 AFL players announced their retirements, creating additional senior list spots for clubs ahead of the trade period and draft. These retirements, spanning from January to October, freed up positions on the 44-player senior lists at each of the 18 clubs, enabling greater flexibility in player acquisitions and contributing to an aggregate increase of 35 available spots league-wide for incoming talent. Many announcements occurred post-season, reflecting career culminations after the finals series, while others were prompted by persistent injuries or personal decisions. The retirements varied by club, with North Melbourne and Richmond each losing four players. Notable cases included high-profile veterans like Lance Franklin and Jack Riewoldt, whose departures marked the end of iconic careers, often cited for physical tolls such as injuries. Below is a comprehensive list organized by club, including announcement dates and notable reasons where applicable.| Club | Player | Announcement Date | Games Played | Notable Reason/Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | Fischer McAsey | January 9 | 10 | Personal choice to pursue other opportunities. |
| Adelaide | Paul Seedsman | August 16 | 132 | Injury history, including ACL rupture. |
| Brisbane | Marcus Adams | October 20 | 73 | Concussion-related concerns. |
| Brisbane | Nakia Cockatoo | October 4 | 49 | Recurring injuries. |
| Brisbane | Daniel Rich | September 4 | 275 | End of premiership-winning career. |
| Carlton | Ed Curnow | August 31 | 221 | Post-finals reflection on family and career. |
| Carlton | Lachie Plowman | September 28 | 145 | Desire to prioritize health and family. |
| Essendon | Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti | August 24 | 133 | Injury and personal reasons. |
| Essendon | Andrew Phillips | August 8 | 82 | After 12 seasons across three clubs. |
| Geelong | Jonathon Ceglar | August 22 | 110 | End of journeyman ruck career across three clubs. |
| Geelong | Isaac Smith | August 10 | 280 | Four-time premiership player seeking new challenges. |
| Gold Coast | Connor Blakely | September 19 | 78 | Post-VFL Grand Final decision. |
| Gold Coast | Charlie Constable | October 4 | 16 | Limited senior opportunities. |
| GWS | Phil Davis | August 21 | 192 | Leadership role in club rebuild. |
| GWS | Daniel Lloyd | August 17 | 101 | Balancing football with media career. |
| Hawthorn | Max Lynch | August 1 | 11 | Concussion history. |
| Melbourne | Luke Dunstan | September 19 | 121 | ACL injury recovery challenges. |
| Melbourne | Michael Hibberd | September 10 | 197 | Post-finals, after 2021 premiership. |
| North Melbourne | Ben Cunnington | August 8 | 238 | Cancer recovery and family focus. |
| North Melbourne | Aaron Hall | August 2 | 161 | End of versatile career across three clubs. |
| North Melbourne | Daniel Howe | October 3 | 107 | Seeking opportunities elsewhere initially, then retirement. |
| North Melbourne | Jack Ziebell | July 29 | 280 | Club loyalty after 14 seasons. |
| Port Adelaide | Tom Jonas | August 22 | 216 | Captain's decision post-premiership push. |
| Port Adelaide | Scott Lycett | October 31 | 146 | Trade considerations led to retirement. |
| Richmond | Jason Castagna | February 27 | 134 | Pre-season shock retirement, three-time premiership player. |
| Richmond | Trent Cotchin | August 10 | 306 | Brownlow medallist ending three-time premiership tenure. |
| Richmond | Jack Riewoldt | August 15 | 347 | Four-time Coleman medallist, injury impacts. |
| Richmond | Robbie Tarrant | July 13 | 194 | Defender's career wind-down. |
| Sydney | Lance Franklin | July 31 | 354 | Iconic career end due to injuries. |
| Sydney | Tom Hickey | August 22 | 151 | Ruckman's journeyman path across four clubs. |
| Sydney | Paddy McCartin | August 14 | 63 | Concussion history. |
| West Coast | Shannon Hurn | August 1 | 333 | Captain's farewell after 18 seasons. |
| West Coast | Nic Naitanui | August 14 | 213 | Injury-plagued career, three-time All-Australian. |
| West Coast | Luke Shuey | August 8 | 248 | 2018 premiership co-captain. |
| Western Bulldogs | Josh Bruce | August 22 | 163 | Knee injury recovery. |
Delistings
Following the conclusion of the 2023 AFL season, clubs undertook list management by delisting players to comply with the league's 44-player primary list limit and create opportunities for incoming draftees and free agents. Delistings were announced primarily between September and November 2023, with most clubs finalizing their lists by October 31 ahead of the delisted free agency period. In total, 94 players were delisted across the 18 clubs from their primary lists, allowing for strategic roster adjustments amid varying team performances.[11] These delistings often targeted underperforming prospects, fringe players, or veterans whose contracts were not renewed, enabling clubs to refresh their squads. For instance, Essendon and North Melbourne each delisted seven players, reflecting significant list turnover to integrate young talent and address on-field inconsistencies.[12][13] Richmond, conversely, delisted only one player, indicating a more stable list following their premiership success.[13] Notable cases included the delisting of veterans such as Geelong's Sam Menegola (152 games, announced September 27, 2023), who had been a key midfielder but was cut to make room for emerging players, and Fremantle's Travis Colyer (108 games, announced September 27, 2023), a speedy utility whose departure highlighted the Dockers' focus on youth development. Among prospects, Adelaide's Tariek Newchurch (a 2020 draftee with limited senior exposure) was delisted on October 18, 2023, re-entering the draft pool as a potential redemption story. Such moves underscored clubs' emphasis on long-term viability over short-term retention.[12][13][11] The following table summarizes the delisted players by club, including announcement dates where specified:| Club | Delisted Players (Announcement Date) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | James Borlase (Oct 18), Tyler Brown (Oct 18), Will Hamill (Nov 8), Jackson Hately (Oct 18), Andrew McPherson (Oct 18), Tariek Newchurch (Oct 18) | 6 |
| Brisbane Lions | Blake Coleman (Oct 25), Rhys Mathieson (Oct 25), Darryl McDowell-White (Oct 25) | 3 |
| Carlton | Josh Honey (Oct 18), Lochie O'Brien (Oct 18), Sam Philp (Oct 18) | 3 |
| Collingwood | Trent Bianco (Oct 24), Arlo Draper (Oct 24), Will Kelly (Nov 1), Cooper Murley (Oct 24), Trey Ruscoe (Oct 24), Tom Wilson (Oct 24) | 6 |
| Essendon | Alastair Lord (Sep 27), Cian McBride (Sep 27), Rhett Montgomerie (Sep 27), Anthony Munkara (Oct 10), Will Snelling (Nov 1), James Stewart (Sep 27), Patrick Voss (Nov 1) | 7 |
| Fremantle | Eric Benning (Sep 27), Travis Colyer (Sep 27), Nathan Wilson (Sep 27) | 3 |
| Geelong | Flynn Kroeger (Nov 1), Sam Menegola (Sep 27), Osca Riccardi (Oct 4), Sam Simpson (Oct 4), Cooper Whyte (Oct 4) | 5 |
| Gold Coast | Jed Anderson (Oct 18), Brodie McLaughlin (Oct 18), Jeremy Sharp (Nov 1), Jake Stein (Nov 1) | 4 |
| GWS Giants | Cameron Fleeton (Oct 11), Jason Gillbee (Oct 11), Adam Kennedy | 3 |
| Hawthorn | Lachie Bramble (Oct 25), Fergus Greene (Oct 25), Ned Long (Oct 25), Emerson Jeka, Josh Morris, Fionn O'Hara, Cooper Stephens, Chad Wingard | 8 |
| Melbourne | Jake Melksham (Oct 18), Deakyn Smith (Oct 18), Kye Turner (Oct 31) | 3 |
| North Melbourne | Aiden Bonar (Oct 25), Jacob Edwards (Oct 18), Jack Mahony (Oct 25), Flynn Perez (Oct 18), Phoenix Spicer (Oct 18), Kayne Turner (Oct 25), Lachie Young (Oct 18) | 7 |
| Port Adelaide | Nathan Barkla (Oct 18), Riley Bonner (Oct 18), Trent Dumont (Oct 18), Orazio Fantasia (Nov 8), Sam Hayes (Nov 8), Jake Pasini (Nov 8), Brynn Teakle (Oct 18) | 7 |
| Richmond | Kaelan Bradtke (Sep 27) | 1 |
| St Kilda | Oscar Adams (Oct 11), Jack Bytel (Oct 11), Leo Connolly (Oct 11), Tom Highmore (Nov 8), Dan McKenzie (Nov 7), Jack Peris (Oct 11) | 6 |
| Sydney Swans | Ryan Clarke (Oct 25), Will Gould (Oct 25), Hugo Hall-Kahan (Oct 25), Cameron Owen (Oct 25), Lachlan Rankin (Oct 25), Marc Sheather (Oct 25), Sam Reid | 7 |
| West Coast | Greg Clark (Oct 18), Luke Foley (Oct 17), Xavier O'Neill (Oct 18), Sam Petrevski-Seton (Oct 18), Connor West (Oct 18), Isiah Winder (Oct 18) | 6 |
| Western Bulldogs | Taylor Duryea (Nov 8), Mitch Hannan (Sep 27), Robbie McComb (Oct 18), Toby McLean (Oct 25), Tim O'Brien (Oct 18), Cody Raak (Oct 18), Hayden Crozier, Lachie McNeil, Roarke Smith | 9 |
Trade and Free Agency Period
Free Agency
The 2023 AFL free agency period ran from 6 October to 16 October, encompassing both unrestricted and restricted free agents, as well as delisted free agents. Unrestricted free agents, typically those with eight or more years of service not in the top wage bracket, could sign with any club without negotiation, while restricted free agents—high earners with similar service—allowed their original club the right to match offers, potentially leading to trades if unmatched. This period saw several notable movements, particularly bolstering Essendon's list with experienced players seeking greater opportunity.[14] Key signings included North Melbourne's Ben McKay joining Essendon on a six-year contract, providing the Bombers with a versatile key defender. Other significant unrestricted free agency deals featured Melbourne's James Jordon moving to Sydney on a four-year agreement and GWS Giants ruckman Matt Flynn signing a three-year deal with West Coast. Restricted free agent Jade Gresham transferred from St Kilda to Essendon on a four-year contract after St Kilda opted not to match the offer, while Adelaide's Tom Doedee signed a four-year contract with Brisbane as a restricted free agent, leaving the Crows without a match. Delisted free agents like Orazio Fantasia (to Carlton) and Toby Pink (to North Melbourne) also found new homes without compensation implications. These moves highlighted clubs' strategies to address defensive and midfield needs without delving into the concurrent trade period.[15][16][17] Draft pick compensation was awarded to clubs suffering a net loss of free agents, calculated via the AFL's player value index formula, which factors in contract length, annual value, player age, and games played. Bands ranged from Band 1 (first-round picks for high-value losses) to lower bands (later picks), with allocations announced post-period. North Melbourne received the standout Band 1 compensation of pick 3 for McKay's departure, reflecting his premium contract and potential. These picks were later used in the national draft; for example, North Melbourne used their Band 1 pick (originally No. 3) on Zane Duursma at No. 4 after adjustments. St Kilda earned pick 21 (end of first round) for Gresham, Adelaide secured pick 19 for Doedee, Melbourne got pick 39 for Jordon, GWS received pick 40 for Flynn, and Brisbane was awarded pick 47 for Tom Fullarton's unrestricted move to Melbourne. These picks significantly influenced draft strategies, providing rebuilding clubs like North Melbourne enhanced access to top talent.[14][18][17][19]| Player | From | To | Type | Compensation Pick (to original club) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben McKay | North Melbourne | Essendon | Unrestricted | 3 |
| Jade Gresham | St Kilda | Essendon | Restricted | 21 |
| Tom Doedee | Adelaide | Brisbane | Restricted | 19 |
| James Jordon | Melbourne | Sydney | Unrestricted | 39 |
| Matt Flynn | GWS | West Coast | Unrestricted | 40 |
| Tom Fullarton | Brisbane | Melbourne | Unrestricted | 47 |
Trade Period
The 2023 AFL Trade Period, officially known as the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, commenced on 9 October at 9:00 a.m. AEDT and concluded on 18 October at 7:30 p.m. AEDT, allowing clubs to exchange contracted players and draft selections to reshape their lists ahead of the 2024 season.[4] During this 10-day window, a total of 24 player trades were completed, involving 38 players and numerous draft picks, as clubs prioritized midfield reinforcements, defensive bolstering, and draft capital accumulation.[15] Among the most prominent deals was Sydney's acquisition of ruckman Brodie Grundy from Melbourne in exchange for pick 47 and the Swans' future second-round selection, enhancing their ruck division and overall midfield depth for a premiership push.[20] Collingwood, fresh off their 2023 premiership, traded forward Lachie Schultz from Fremantle for pick 34 and the Magpies' future first-round pick, adding small forward pressure while offloading midfielders Taylor Adams (to Sydney for pick 33) and Jack Ginnivan (to Hawthorn for pick 39 plus future second- and fourth-round picks).[21] Other significant moves included Geelong defender Esava Ratugolea heading to Port Adelaide for picks 25, 76, and 94, bolstering the Power's key defensive stocks, and Melbourne utility James Harmes moving to the Western Bulldogs for a future third-round pick, providing the Dogs with versatile midfield options.[22] Clubs varied in their activity levels, with Sydney emerging as one of the busiest, adding Grundy and Adams to fortify their engine room and position themselves as flag contenders.[20] Fremantle, conversely, focused on draft capital, parting with Schultz, winger Liam Henry (to St Kilda for pick 21 and a future third-rounder), and others to secure multiple first-round assets, aiming to rebuild their forward and wing structures.[21] Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs engaged in multi-club arrangements to climb the draft order; for instance, the Bulldogs traded pick 11 and a future first-rounder to Gold Coast for pick 5 and midfielder Elijah Hollands from Carlton (via a separate deal involving pick 28 and a future fourth-rounder), significantly improving their top-end talent access.[22] These transactions reflected broader strategies, with top teams like Sydney and Collingwood investing in proven performers to sustain contention, while rebuilding sides like Fremantle and North Melbourne prioritized picks to target high-upside prospects in the upcoming draft.[21]| Club | Key Players In | Key Players Out | Notable Pick Exchanges | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams | Dylan Stephens | Gained picks 33, 45, 47; future first-rounder out | Midfield dominance enhanced for 2024 contention[20] |
| Collingwood | Lachie Schultz | Taylor Adams, Jack Ginnivan | Gained pick 34; future first-rounder out | Forward line refreshed post-premiership[21] |
| Fremantle | None (focus on picks) | Lachie Schultz, Liam Henry | Gained picks 34, future first-rounders | Rebuild via draft capital for forward/wing needs[22] |
| Melbourne | Jack Billings, Shane McAdam | Brodie Grundy, James Harmes | Gained pick 11; picks 14, 47 out | List management for depth, compensating ruck loss[20] |
| Western Bulldogs | James Harmes, Elijah Hollands (via chain), Nick Coffield | Jordon Sweet | Gained pick 5; pick 11, future first out | Improved draft position for elite talent acquisition[21] |
Future Draft Pick Trades
Prior to the 2023 AFL draft, several clubs had already traded their future draft selections during the 2022 trade period, significantly altering the initial pick allocations based on ladder positions. These pre-existing trades, executed between October 4 and October 15, 2022, involved exchanges of 2023 picks, often as part of larger deals for players or immediate draft selections. As a result, four clubs—Fremantle, Brisbane Lions, Richmond, and Port Adelaide—entered the 2023 draft without a first-round pick, having surrendered them in the previous year.[23] Key trades from the 2022 period reshaped the 2023 draft landscape. For instance, Melbourne acquired Fremantle's 2023 first- and second-round picks in exchange for ruckman Luke Jackson and two 2022 selections (picks 44 and 67), bolstering Melbourne's hand for targeting high-value prospects. Similarly, the Western Bulldogs gained Brisbane's 2023 first- and second-round picks, along with Melbourne's third- and fourth-round picks, in a multi-club deal that also involved player movements and immediate picks, enhancing the Bulldogs' flexibility in the top end of the draft. North Melbourne received Port Adelaide's 2023 first-round pick as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Jason Horne-Francis and Will Rioli to Port, providing the Kangaroos with additional early selection power amid their rebuilding phase. North Melbourne's acquisition of Port Adelaide's first-rounder translated to pick 16 in the final order, which they used later in the draft.[24][23] Other notable swaps included Gold Coast acquiring multiple mid-round picks, such as Adelaide's third- and fourth-round selections and Geelong's third-round pick, in various player trades, which gave the Suns a total of nine picks entering 2023. GWS Giants obtained Richmond's 2023 first-round pick in exchange for their 2022 first-rounder (pick 15) and other assets, positioning GWS to potentially draft a key talent despite Richmond's on-field success. These transactions from 2022 contributed to a more distributed draft order, with clubs like Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs gaining multiple early picks while others, such as Fremantle, relied on later selections and potential mid-draft maneuvers.[24][23] The overall impact on the final 2023 draft order was substantial, as these prior deals locked in ownership of picks before the 2023 season's ladder determined base positions. For example, Fremantle's traded first-rounder became Melbourne's pick 7, used on Caleb Windsor. This pre-committed trading strategy influenced club planning, forcing some teams to prioritize immediate needs over retaining future assets and creating opportunities for others to stockpile selections.[23]Special Draft Provisions
North Melbourne Concessions
Following North Melbourne's last-place finish in the 2023 AFL season, where they recorded only three wins from 23 matches, the AFL Commission approved a special assistance package to aid the club's rebuilding efforts.[25] This package was designed to provide targeted draft and list support, recognizing the club's sustained struggles, including just 12 victories across 84 games since 2020 and consistent bottom-of-the-ladder finishes.[26] The concessions included an additional end-of-first-round selection in the 2023 national draft, initially positioned as pick 22 but adjusted to pick 19 following trade period activity.[27] For 2024, North Melbourne received two further end-of-first-round picks (positions 19 and 20), along with two extra Category A rookie list spots to enhance list depth and development opportunities.[25] These measures built on prior assistance from 2022, extending two rookie spots into 2024 without restrictions on trading the new picks.[26] The AFL's decision followed ongoing consultations with North Melbourne throughout 2023, culminating in the Commission's approval on September 24.[25] AFL CEO Andrew Dillon emphasized the package's role in supporting both immediate competitiveness and long-term sustainability under the club's leadership.[26] The provisions were subject to potential review in 2024 if significant performance improvements occurred.[25]Extra Picks and Adjustments
In the 2023 AFL National Draft, several clubs were required to match bids on academy and father-son prospects using the points-based bidding system, which allocates draft value index (DVI) points to selections to determine the cost of matching. Gold Coast matched a bid on academy key forward Jed Walter at pick 3, placed by North Melbourne, by surrendering equivalent points from their subsequent selections without needing additional picks, as the bid aligned closely with their natural draft position. The Suns also matched bids on fellow academy products Ethan Read (bid at pick 9 by Geelong), Jake Rogers (pick 14), and Will Graham (pick 26), utilizing a combination of their early picks and future selections to accumulate the necessary 2,000+ points across the four matches, preserving their list-building strategy despite the high cost. West Coast matched a later bid on father-son midfielder Elijah Hewett at pick 65, a lower-stakes match that required minimal adjustment to their draft hand.[28][29] Free agency compensation picks provided additional end-of-first-round selections to clubs losing key unrestricted players, calculated via the AFL's banding system based on contract value, games played, and age. Adelaide received pick 28 as end-of-first-round compensation (Band 2) for defender Tom Doedee's departure to Brisbane, allowing the Crows to select versatile forward Lance Collard and bolster their forward line depth. North Melbourne secured a higher Band 1 compensation at pick 3 for Ben McKay's move to Essendon, which was used to place a bid on Gold Coast academy prospect Jed Walter at pick 3; Gold Coast matched the bid, allowing North Melbourne to select next at pick 4. These picks, inserted immediately after the club's natural first-round selection, extended the first round to 29 selections and influenced subsequent trading dynamics.[30][31] Live trading during the draft allowed clubs to adjust their picks in real-time, adding fluidity to selections beyond pre-draft trades. Notable examples included Brisbane acquiring pick 24 from Gold Coast in exchange for picks 30, 51, 54, and 65, allowing Gold Coast to accumulate points for matching their academy bids; Brisbane subsequently on-traded pick 24 to Sydney for pick 28 and a 2024 third-round pick. St Kilda also traded with Melbourne, gaining pick 42 for a future third-round selection, which they used to draft forward Liam McMahon. These on-the-night deals, facilitated by AFL rules permitting swaps between consecutive picks or equivalent value, resulted in 27 total trades across the draft and helped clubs optimize their hauls without major disruptions. Rule-based extras, such as the automatic insertion of compensation picks, further adjusted the order, ensuring fairness in player movement outcomes.[32][33]Mid-Season Rookie Draft
Selection Process
The 2023 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft took place on 31 May 2023, between rounds 11 and 12 of the season, providing clubs an opportunity to fill rookie list vacancies with immediate effect.[34] Selections were conducted remotely, with clubs submitting picks online through AFL operations at the league's headquarters, in a process limited to one pick per club unless multiple list spots were available due to retirements or season-ending injuries.[35] The draft order followed reverse ladder positions after round 11, starting with the lowest-ranked team, allowing clubs to address urgent needs for up to four rookie positions on their primary list.[36] Eligible clubs were required to have an open rookie spot by 5pm AEST on 30 May 2023, created through verified retirements, long-term injuries supported by medical evidence, or unused allocations.[34] This mechanism enabled targeted nominations for players suited to immediate integration, differing from the year-end rookie draft by prioritizing in-season squad reinforcement over extended development prospects.[35] The nominee pool comprised primarily overage or previously listed players ineligible for the national draft, including those aged 19 or older who had played at least three senior matches in the VFL, WAFL, SANFL, or TSL by late May 2023, delisted individuals from the prior season, and unselected national draft nominees.[34] A total of 321 players were nominated, with 12 undergoing AFL medical assessments to aid club evaluations.[35]Draft Picks and Outcomes
The 2023 AFL mid-season rookie draft, held on May 31 following Round 11, resulted in 13 selections across two rounds, with Greater Western Sydney passing on both of their allocated picks. Clubs selected players primarily to fill immediate list spots created by long-term injuries, focusing on a mix of young prospects from state leagues and mature-age recruits with prior experience. The draft addressed short-term needs, such as key positions, and introduced several players who contributed during the remainder of the season.[37]| Pick | Club | Player | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Coast Eagles | Ryan Maric | 18-year-old tall forward from Gippsland Power in the NAB League, standing at 193cm, who had shown strong marking and goal-kicking form in junior ranks. |
| 2 | North Melbourne | Robert Hansen Jnr | 19-year-old small forward from Subiaco in the WAFL, 180cm, known for his speed and pressure acts after a breakout season in the West Australian state league. |
| 3 | Hawthorn | Clay Tucker | 18-year-old ruckman from Eastern Ranges in the NAB League, 204cm, selected for his mobility and hit-out ability despite limited senior exposure. |
| 4 | Richmond | Matt Coulthard | 22-year-old small forward from Glenelg in the SANFL, 176cm, a mature-age prospect with consistent goalkicking in South Australian state football. |
| 5 | Greater Western Sydney | Pass | - |
| 6 | Sydney Swans | Harry Arnold | 24-year-old defender from Brisbane Lions VFL, 194cm, a mature-age nominee with prior VFL experience seeking a second AFL opportunity. |
| 7 | Geelong Cats | Mitch Hardie | 25-year-old midfielder from Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL, 185cm, who had played 11 AFL games for the Western Bulldogs earlier in his career before being delisted. |
| 8 | Fremantle | Ethan Stanley | 19-year-old wing/forward from Box Hill Hawks in the VFL, 188cm, a recent NAB League graduate with emerging endurance and ball-winning skills. |
| 9 | Essendon | Jaiden Hunter | 21-year-old key forward from Perth in the WAFL, 196cm, returning from an ACL injury and showing power forward traits in state league matches. |
| 10 | Western Bulldogs | Caleb Poulter | 20-year-old wingman from Footscray VFL, 193cm, a former Collingwood draftee (pick 44 in 2020) who had played 11 AFL games before being delisted and averaging 16.9 disposals in VFL. |
| 11 | Port Adelaide | Quinton Narkle | 25-year-old midfielder from Essendon VFL, 182cm, ex-Geelong player (34 AFL games) delisted in 2021, who averaged 20.3 disposals and goalkicking in VFL after stints at West Coast and Essendon. |
| 12 | Hawthorn | Brandon Ryan | 25-year-old key forward from Northern Bullants in the VFL, 200cm, a mature-age recruit with strong marking presence in state league football. |
| 13 | Richmond | James Trezise | 20-year-old defender from Richmond VFL, 188cm, a versatile backman with NAB League experience from Dandenong Stingrays. |
| 14 | Greater Western Sydney | Pass | - |
| 15 | Sydney Swans | Jack Buller | 22-year-old forward/ruck from Claremont in the WAFL, 199cm, noted for his athleticism and contested marking in Western Australian state competition. |
National Draft
Pre-Draft Rookie Elevations
In the lead-up to the 2023 AFL national draft held on 20–21 November 2023 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, clubs elevated a total of 16 rookies to their senior lists between late October and mid-November 2023, creating vacancies for new selections while rewarding established performers. These upgrades were part of broader list management strategies following the trade period and delistings, allowing clubs to balance their 44-player senior lists and six-player rookie allocations for the 2024 season. The elevated players collectively possessed significant AFL games of experience, highlighting their contributions in VFL or SANFL levels and occasional senior stints.[46] The elevations were driven by factors such as consistent VFL form, injury recovery, and the need to secure talent long-term, often in conjunction with delistings to open senior spots. For instance, Adelaide promoted defender Nick Murray on 29 October after his strong showings in the SANFL despite a prior knee reconstruction, freeing a rookie spot while retaining his versatility. Similarly, Sydney upgraded utility Robbie Fox on 30 October following a reliable 2023 season with 20 senior games, emphasizing his role in list optimization. Collingwood elevated forward Ash Johnson and defender Oleg Markov on 3 November, recognizing Johnson's 24 senior games and Markov's experience after joining via the pre-season supplemental period. Carlton completed its upgrade with midfielder Matt Cottrell on 15 November, rewarding his career-best year with 54 games overall. These moves exemplified how clubs like these used elevations to enhance depth without immediate draft expenditure.[47][48][49][50] The following table summarizes all pre-draft rookie elevations by club, based on announcements compiled prior to the national draft:| Club | Players Elevated | Total Games (Career as of 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | Nick Murray | 57 |
| Brisbane Lions | Carter Michael | 1 |
| Carlton | Matt Cottrell | 54 |
| Collingwood | Ash Johnson, Oleg Markov | 24, 74 |
| Essendon | Kaine Baldwin | 8 |
| Fremantle | Bailey Banfield, Josh Treacy | 75, 36 |
| [Gold Coast](/page/Gold Coast) | Hewago Oea | 13 |
| Hawthorn | Jai Newcombe | 51 |
| Melbourne | Daniel Turner | 3 |
| Richmond | Ben Miller | 25 |
| St Kilda | Mason Wood, Liam Stocker | 92, 48 |
| Sydney | Robbie Fox | 87 |
| Western Bulldogs | Anthony Scott | 57 |
National Draft Selections
The 2023 AFL National Draft was conducted over two nights on 20 and 21 November 2023 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, comprising 64 selections across five rounds as clubs bolstered their lists with emerging talent. The draft showcased a deep pool of versatile midfielders and key position players, enabling teams to target specific positional needs amid live trading and bid-matching processes. Overall, it was regarded as a high-quality intake, with clubs like North Melbourne and Geelong adopting aggressive strategies to secure multiple high-value picks, while academy systems played a pivotal role in shaping first-round outcomes.[3][51] The first round featured standout selections, beginning with West Coast choosing Harley Reid at pick 1, a dynamic 187 cm midfielder-forward from the Bendigo Pioneers who averaged 24.9 disposals, 7.1 marks, and 1.8 goals per game across 10 NAB League matches, highlighting his explosive athleticism and scoring threat. North Melbourne followed with Colby McKercher (pick 2), a 180 cm endurance runner from Launceston who recorded 26.1 disposals and 5.4 tackles on average in Tasmania's state under-18 competition. Gold Coast then selected academy prospect Jed Walter at pick 3, a 194 cm key forward from the Brisbane Lions academy who kicked 31 goals in 13 NAB League games, demonstrating his aerial strength and marking prowess. Other key picks included Zane Duursma (pick 4, North Melbourne, 189 cm forward with 22 goals in 12 NAB League outings), Nick Watson (pick 5, Hawthorn, 170 cm small forward excelling in speed events at the draft combine), Ryley Sanders (pick 6, Western Bulldogs, 185 cm midfielder averaging 28.5 disposals in Northern Territory championships), and Caleb Windsor (pick 7, Melbourne, 184 cm winger with 25.3 disposals per game in Eastern Ranges NAB League performances). Bid-matching extended the round to 29 picks to accommodate 11 bids on Next Generation Academy and father-son nominees, with Gold Coast forfeiting subsequent selections to secure four academy talents, Hawthorn matching a father-son bid for Will McCabe (pick 19, midfielder from Xavier College), the Western Bulldogs matching for father-son Jordan Croft (pick 15, 200 cm key forward), and Sydney matching for academy midfielder Caiden Cleary (pick 24). Additional matches included bids for players like Logan Morris (Brisbane, pick 31, but in round 2) and others from GWS and North Melbourne zones.[3][52][29] The complete national draft selections are detailed below by club, including round, pick number, player name, primary position, and notes on special categories or post-draft status (debuts in the 2024 season denoted where applicable; many later picks remained on lists without senior games). Player profiles emphasize representative examples from under-18 leagues like the NAB League or VFL, focusing on athletic metrics and performance highlights rather than exhaustive stats. Initial impacts in 2024 saw 18 first-rounders debut, contributing to club rebuilds, though several lower selections developed in VFL reserves.[3][53][54]| Club | Round | Pick | Player Name | Position/Key Traits | Notes/Post-Draft Update (2024 Debut?) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Crows | 1 | 8 | Daniel Curtin | Utility defender (197 cm, 95 kg; averaged 20.5 disposals in Claremont WAFL Colts) | Academy eligible; debuted Round 3 |
| 2 | 21 | Charlie Edwards | Midfielder (183 cm, 75 kg; 22.1 disposals in South Adelaide SANFL) | No debut | |
| 2 | 27 | Oscar Ryan | Key forward (195 cm, 90 kg; 15 goals in 10 North Adelaide SANFL games) | No debut | |
| Brisbane Lions | 2 | 31 | Logan Morris | Small forward (178 cm, 72 kg; 24 goals in 14 NAB League matches for Woodville-West Torrens) | Debuted Round 10 |
| 3 | 42 | Luke Lloyd | Midfielder (188 cm, 80 kg; versatile NAB League performer for Northern Knights) | No debut | |
| 4 | 51 | Zane Zakostelsky | Defender (191 cm, 85 kg; strong marking in VFL for Northern Bullants) | No debut | |
| 5 | 64 | Reece Torrent | Utility (185 cm, 78 kg; averaged 18 disposals in East Fremantle WAFL Colts) | No debut | |
| Carlton | 2 | 29 | Ashton Moir | Midfielder (183 cm, 77 kg; 25.4 disposals in Gippsland Power NAB League) | No debut |
| 2 | 34 | Billy Wilson | Defender (188 cm, 82 kg; intercept specialist in Oakleigh Chargers NAB League) | Debuted Round 15 | |
| Collingwood | 1 | 25 | Harry DeMattia | Midfielder (186 cm, 79 kg; 23.8 disposals in Eastern Ranges NAB League) | No debut |
| 2 | 37 | Tew Jiath | Defender (181 cm, 76 kg; speed and rebounding in VFL for Eastern Ranges) | Debuted Round 8 (Category B elevation prior, but national pick) | |
| Essendon | 1 | 10 | Nate Caddy | Tall forward (193 cm, 88 kg; 28 goals in 12 Northern Knights NAB League games) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 2 | 39 | Luamon Lual | Midfielder (188 cm, 83 kg; athletic traits from Greater Western Victoria Rebels NAB League) | Debuted Round 12 | |
| 4 | 54 | Archie Roberts | Utility (190 cm, 85 kg; consistent VFL performer for Northern Bullants) | No debut | |
| Fremantle | 2 | 35 | Cooper Simpson | Midfielder (186 cm, 80 kg; 27.2 disposals in East Fremantle WAFL Colts) | Debuted Round 5 |
| 2 | 41 | Ollie Murphy | Key defender (200 cm, 85 kg; 12.5 marks per game in South Fremantle WAFL Colts) | No debut | |
| 5 | 60 | Jack Delean | Forward (183 cm, 75 kg; goal-kicking flair in Norwood SANFL) | No debut | |
| Geelong | 1 | 11 | Connor O'Sullivan | Key defender (198 cm, 92 kg; 18.3 disposals and 6.1 marks in Morningside QAFL) | Debuted Round 14 |
| 2 | 32 | Mitchell Edwards | Ruck (206 cm, 89 kg; dominant tap work in Gold Coast Suns academy matches) | No debut | |
| 2 | 36 | Shaun Mannagh | Midfielder (185 cm, 78 kg; 26 goals and 22.5 disposals in Warrnambool and District FL) | Debuted Round 1 | |
| 4 | 58 | George Stevens | Defender-mid (189 cm, 101 kg; physical presence in Murray Bushrangers NAB League) | No debut | |
| 5 | 61 | Oliver Wiltshire | Utility (182 cm, 74 kg; versatile in South Adelaide SANFL) | No debut | |
| 5 | 63 | Lawson Humphries | Defender (188 cm, 82 kg; rebounding skills in West Adelaide WANFL) | No debut | |
| Gold Coast Suns | 1 | 3 | Jed Walter | Key forward (194 cm, 97 kg; 31 goals in 13 Brisbane Lions academy NAB League games) | Academy; debuted Round 2 |
| 1 | 9 | Ethan Read | Ruck (202 cm, 92 kg; 45 hitouts per game in Gold Coast Suns academy) | Academy; debuted Round 17 | |
| 1 | 14 | Jake Rogers | Midfielder (170 cm, 68 kg; 28.1 disposals in Southport Sharks QAFL) | Academy; debuted Round 9 | |
| 2 | 26 | Will Graham | Defender (194 cm, 90 kg; intercept marking in Gold Coast Suns academy) | Academy; no debut | |
| GWS Giants | 1 | 12 | Phoenix Gothard | Forward (193 cm, 88 kg; 24 goals in 14 GIANTS academy NEAFL games) | Debuted Round 11 |
| 1 | 17 | James Leake | Utility (187 cm, 77 kg; 21.4 disposals in Tasmania Devils NAB League) | Debuted Round 6 | |
| 3 | 44 | Joseph Fonti | Midfielder (178 cm, 73 kg; clearance strength in Western Jets NAB League) | No debut | |
| 5 | 59 | Harvey Thomas | Defender (188 cm, 80 kg; rebounding in GIANTS academy) | Academy; debuted Round 1 | |
| Hawthorn | 1 | 5 | Nick Watson | Small forward (170 cm, 68 kg; elite speed, 18 goals in 12 NAB League games for Eastern Ranges) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 1 | 19 | Will McCabe | Midfielder (185 cm, 79 kg; 24.8 disposals in Xavier College VGCFL) | Father-son; debuted Round 23 | |
| 3 | 46 | Bodie Ryan | Utility (183 cm, 76 kg; consistent in Murray Bushrangers NAB League) | No debut | |
| Melbourne | 1 | 7 | Caleb Windsor | Wing (184 cm, 76 kg; 25.3 disposals and 1.2 goals in Eastern Ranges NAB League) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 1 | 13 | Koltyn Tholstrup | Forward (192 cm, 88 kg; athletic traits from Denmark WAFL) | Debuted Round 2 (international rookie prior, but national pick) | |
| North Melbourne | 1 | 2 | Colby McKercher | Midfielder (180 cm, 76 kg; 26.1 disposals in Tasmania state under-18s) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 1 | 4 | Zane Duursma | Forward (189 cm, 79 kg; 22 goals in 12 Gippsland Power NAB League games) | Debuted Round 1 | |
| 2 | 20 | Taylor Goad | Midfielder (188 cm, 82 kg; 23.5 disposals in Murray Bushrangers NAB League) | No debut | |
| 2 | 22 | Wil Dawson | Defender (191 cm, 85 kg; intercept skills in Gold Coast Suns academy) | No debut | |
| 2 | 23 | Riley Hardeman | Utility (186 cm, 80 kg; versatile in Bendigo Pioneers NAB League) | No debut | |
| Port Adelaide | 3 | 48 | Thomas Anastasopoulos | Forward (188 cm, 82 kg; goal sense in Woodville-West Torrens SANFL) | No debut |
| 4 | 52 | Lachlan Charleson | Midfielder (184 cm, 78 kg; endurance in Central Districts SANFL) | No debut | |
| 4 | 57 | Will Lorenz | Defender (192 cm, 87 kg; marking ability in North Adelaide SANFL) | No debut | |
| Richmond | 2 | 40 | Kane McAuliffe | Defender (194 cm, 92 kg; 15.2 disposals in Oakleigh Chargers NAB League) | No debut |
| 3 | 43 | Liam Fawcett | Midfielder (186 cm, 81 kg; clearance work in Dandenong Stingrays NAB League) | No debut | |
| St Kilda | 1 | 18 | Darcy Wilson | Midfielder-forward (186 cm, 74 kg; 22.7 disposals and 14 goals in South Australia under-18s) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 2 | 28 | Lance Collard | Forward (184 cm, 78 kg; 20 goals in 11 West Coast Falcons WAFL Colts) | Debuted Round 4 | |
| 2 | 33 | Angus Hastie | Midfielder (188 cm, 83 kg; 24.1 disposals in Tascoss under-18s) | No debut | |
| 4 | 50 | Hugo Garcia | Utility (185 cm, 79 kg; consistent in Eastern Ranges NAB League) | No debut | |
| 5 | 62 | Arie Schoenmaker | Forward (191 cm, 86 kg; marking in Dandenong Stingrays NAB League) | No debut | |
| Sydney Swans | 1 | 16 | Will Green | Ruck (204 cm, 93 kg; 42 hitouts per game in North Melbourne TAC Cup) | No debut |
| 2 | 24 | Caiden Cleary | Midfielder (186 cm, 80 kg; 25.8 disposals in Sydney Swans academy) | Academy; debuted Round 7 | |
| 4 | 53 | Patrick Snell | Defender (188 cm, 82 kg; rebounding in Murray Bushrangers NAB League) | No debut | |
| West Coast Eagles | 1 | 1 | Harley Reid | Midfielder-forward (187 cm, 85 kg; 24.9 disposals, 18 goals in Bendigo Pioneers NAB League) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 2 | 30 | Archer Reid | Key forward (203 cm, 94 kg; 26 goals in 10 Bendigo Pioneers NAB League games) | No debut | |
| 2 | 38 | Clay Hall | Midfielder (186 cm, 81 kg; 23.4 disposals in Claremont WAFL Colts) | No debut | |
| 3 | 49 | Harvey Johnston | Utility (178 cm, 74 kg; speed in East Fremantle WAFL Colts) | No debut | |
| Western Bulldogs | 1 | 6 | Ryley Sanders | Midfielder (185 cm, 86 kg; 28.5 disposals in Northern Territory under-18s) | Debuted Round 1 |
| 1 | 15 | Jordan Croft | Key forward (200 cm, 81 kg; 22 goals in 12 Dandenong Stingrays NAB League) | Father-son; debuted Round 19 | |
| 3 | 45 | Joel Freijah | Midfielder (186 cm, 79 kg; 24.2 disposals in Murray Bushrangers NAB League) | Debuted Round 13 | |
| 3 | 47 | Lachlan Smith | Defender (188 cm, 84 kg; intercept in Bendigo Pioneers NAB League) | No debut | |
| 4 | 55 | Aiden O'Driscoll | Forward (183 cm, 77 kg; goal-kicking in West Adelaide WANFL) | No debut |
Post-Season Drafts
Pre-Season Draft
The 2023 AFL Pre-Season Draft took place on 22 November 2023, the day after the national draft concluded, and was open to clubs seeking to add experienced players from the pool of recently delisted or retired athletes.[55] Limited to a maximum of two rounds, the draft emphasized targeted recruitment of mature-age players to address specific needs like leadership, positional depth, or injury cover on primary lists, rather than high-volume selections.[10] In practice, only one round was completed, with three picks exercised before subsequent clubs passed, underscoring the draft's role in low-volume, strategic list management.[55] Eligible participants included players delisted at the end of the 2023 season, such as those from the recent delistings period, who could re-enter the system to fill club gaps without the constraints of the rookie list.[12] The process allowed clubs to re-list their own delisted players or acquire others, prioritizing experience over youth development.[56] Hawthorn used the first selection to re-list forward Chad Wingard, a dual All-Australian with 218 career AFL games across Port Adelaide (147 games) and Hawthorn (71 games up to 2023).[57] Delisted earlier to free list spots amid injury recovery, Wingard's return provided the Hawks with proven goal-kicking ability and veteran leadership in their forward line.[58] Gold Coast followed with the second pick, re-listing key forward/ruck Sam Day, who had played 155 AFL games exclusively for the Suns over 13 seasons since their 2011 inception.[59] Day, hampered by injuries in recent years including zero senior games in 2023, was retained to offer versatile tall options and depth in the forward structure.[60] St Kilda secured defender Riley Bonner from Port Adelaide with the third and final pick; Bonner had accumulated 93 games for the Power over eight seasons, including 11 in 2023 as a rebounding half-back.[61] His acquisition bolstered the Saints' defensive versatility and experience, particularly in transition play.[62] No further picks were made, as the remaining 15 clubs opted to pass, resulting in just three additions across the competition—a tally that reflected the draft's focus on precise, experience-driven reinforcements rather than expansive recruitment.[55]| Pick | Club | Player | Previous Affiliation | AFL Games (to end-2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawthorn | Chad Wingard | Hawthorn (re-listed) | 218 |
| 2 | Gold Coast | Sam Day | Gold Coast (re-listed) | 155 |
| 3 | St Kilda | Riley Bonner | Port Adelaide | 93 |
Rookie Draft
The 2023 AFL Rookie Draft took place on 22 November 2023, immediately following the Pre-Season Draft on the same day, providing clubs with the opportunity to add up to four players to their rookie lists across five rounds for development purposes.[55] This draft primarily targeted young prospects overlooked in the national pool, delisted players seeking second chances, and re-listings of experienced athletes recovering from injuries, with a total of 18 players selected amid several passes in later rounds.[55] Clubs' allocations were determined by their available rookie spots after accounting for prior elevations to senior lists and existing commitments, emphasizing long-term potential over immediate impact.[55] West Coast secured the first pick, selecting 18-year-old small forward Loch Rawlinson from Sturt in the SANFL, noted for his elite speed—recording the fastest 20m sprint time of 2.894 seconds at the national draft combine—and ability to deliver clutch goals as a crafty pressure forward.[63][64] North Melbourne followed with pick two, drafting athletic ruck-forward Finnbar Maley from the Northern Bullants in the VFL, a late bloomer with a basketball pedigree who adds versatile tall options to the club's rebuilding list.[65][66] Other early selections included Hawthorn's re-listing of midfielder Cooper Stephens for continuity and Gold Coast's addition of defender Sam Clohesy from Werribee in the VFL to deepen their backline depth.[55] Notable re-listings dominated the middle rounds, with Sydney bringing back veteran forward Sam Reid to aid injury recovery, Melbourne re-signing experienced wingman Jake Melksham, and the Western Bulldogs retaining utility Taylor Duryea for leadership.[55] These moves highlighted clubs' focus on retaining familiar talent amid list constraints. Later picks were sparse, as teams like Fremantle, Richmond, Collingwood, and Gold Coast opted to pass, preserving flexibility for future signings.[55] The draft concluded with Gold Coast's final selection of Jack Mahony, a former North Melbourne player, in round three.[55]| Round | Pick | Club | Player | Background/Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | West Coast | Loch Rawlinson | Small forward, Sturt (SANFL) |
| 1 | 2 | North Melbourne | Finnbar Maley | Ruck-forward, Northern Bullants (VFL) |
| 1 | 3 | Hawthorn | Cooper Stephens | Midfielder, re-listed |
| 1 | 4 | Gold Coast | Sam Clohesy | Defender, Werribee (VFL) |
| 1 | 5 | Fremantle | Odin Jones | Midfielder, West Perth (WAFL) |
| 1 | 7 | Geelong | Emerson Jeka | Defender, re-listed (ex-Hawthorn) |
| 1 | 8 | Essendon | Vigo Visentini | Ruck, Sandringham Dragons (U18) |
| 1 | 9 | Adelaide | Will Hamill | Defender, re-listed |
| 1 | 10 | Western Bulldogs | Lachie McNeil | Midfielder, re-listed |
| 1 | 11 | Sydney | Sam Reid | Forward, re-listed |
| 1 | 12 | Melbourne | Jake Melksham | Wingman, re-listed |
| 1 | 13 | Port Adelaide | Xavier Walsh | Midfielder, East Perth (WAFL) |
| 1 | 14 | GWS Giants | Adam Kennedy | Defender, re-listed |
| 1 | 15 | Carlton | Matt Carroll | Defender, Sandringham Dragons (U18) |
| 2 | 18 | Gold Coast | Will Rowlands | Midfielder, Norwood (SANFL) |
| 2 | 20 | Adelaide | James Borlase | Defender, re-listed |
| 2 | 21 | Western Bulldogs | Taylor Duryea | Utility, re-listed |
| 2 | 22 | Melbourne | Kynan Brown | Midfielder, Oakleigh Chargers (father-son) |
| 3 | 24 | Gold Coast | Jack Mahony | Midfielder, ex-North Melbourne |
Category B Rookie Selections
The Category B rookie selections provide Australian Football League (AFL) clubs with the opportunity to recruit up to three additional players beyond the standard six-rookie limit, specifically targeting individuals from non-traditional football pathways such as international recruits, those with limited prior Australian football registration (at least three years), academy prospects, or crossovers from other codes or leagues like AFLW.[7] These selections do not count toward a club's primary list cap of 44 players and allow for one Irish international per club as a Category B without impacting rookie quotas, though additional Irish players are treated as Category A.[67] The mechanism aims to broaden talent pools by accommodating players requiring extended development time to reach AFL standards, with payments excluded from total player payments until promotion to the primary list.[7] In the 2023 post-season drafts, four Category B rookies were selected, reflecting a focus on diverse backgrounds including academy products and regional talents with unconventional journeys. These players joined clubs' rookie lists following the Rookie Draft on November 22, 2023, without requiring draft picks.[55]| Club | Player | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Lions | Bruce Reville | Born in Papua New Guinea, raised in regional Queensland; worked full-time in an abattoir and as a forklift operator before joining via Brisbane's academy pathway.[68] |
| Greater Western Sydney Giants | Nathan Wardius | Country NSW forward from the Hume Football League; former GIANTS academy member who worked on his family farm after dropping out of the program.[69] |
| Sydney Swans | Indhi Kirk | Son of Swans legend Brett Kirk; over-age academy midfielder from UNSW-Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, added for development after a delayed physical maturation. Delisted by Sydney in August 2025 after 0 AFL games.[70] [71] |
| West Coast Eagles | Coen Livingstone | Next Generation Academy ruck-forward from Perth in the WAFL Colts; nephew of former AFL player Brent Reilly, selected for key position potential. Delisted by West Coast in October 2025 after 0 AFL games.[55] [72] |