Every first round pick from 2023 AFL draft: Joel Selwood gives No.14 jumper to Cats draftee in 'special' moment'
The top 20 picks of 2023
From Harley Reid to Daniel Curtin, here's how the 2023 AFL Draft's top 20 picks played out.
Joel Selwood touching moment with Cats newbie
After being selected by Geelong at pick 11, Murray Bushrangers defender Connor O'Sullivan never thought he'd meet Cats icon Joel Selwood, let alone received his famous No.14 jumper.
In a touching moment, the Cats four-time premiership champion not only presented the newbie with his jumper, but handed over the No.14, the number he so famously wore through his record 355 games in the hoops.
Harley Reid - Pick 1, West Coast Eagles
In a result that surprised absolutely nobody, Harley Reid will head to WA and join West Coast, after being selected with pick one in the 2023 draft.
He draws similarities to Dustin Martin with his strength in contests lauded by selectors.
An enigma, his talent through the midfield doesn't just stop there, with his pace giving him the ability to run any line.
Reid has been the centre of attention for over a year now, but his ability to take all the pressure in his stride will hold him in good stead at the highest level.
Colby McKercher - Pick 2, North Melbourne
From Tasmania, Colby McKercher has drawn comparisons to Zach Merrett for his bull-like game through the midfield.
His consistency drew attention throughout the year, with his speed and trusty kick putting him above the rest.
His fearlessness in and under contests class him as a pure midfielder.
Jed Walter - Pick 3, Gold Coast
Jed Walter comes in as a key forward with the chance to make his impact almost immediately.
What makes him stand out from the rest as tall forward (195cm) is his ability to apply immense forward pressure.
Likened to Charlie Curnow, not just for his curly hair, his relentless pressure and dead-eye boot will be a crucial part of the Suns' lineup.
He comes in from the Suns academy, with the prospect of he and Ben King lining up in the forward line a daunting one for the opposition.
Zane Duursma - Pick 4, North Melbourne
Zane Duursma joins North Melbourne from the Gippsland Power as a medium forward
Standing tall at 189cm, Duursma knows how to use his height to his advantage, strong overhead.
Even more impressively, he is explosive and quick around the ball and when the ball hits the ground.
It means he uniquely offers both a strong marking presences, as well as innovation in front of goal.
Nick Watson - Pick 5, Hawthorn
Nick Watson, better known as 'the Wizard', joins Hawthorn from Eastern Ranges, bringing a small forward energy to the league like no other.
Watson is a pest in offence, with his forward line pressure forcing his opponents to cough up the ball to allow him to make them pay.
His energy, combined with crafty kicking and speed when finishing in front of goal will give the Hawks forward line a new license to damage up forward.
Ryley Sanders - Pick 6, Western Bulldogs
Originally from Launceston, but boarding at Melbourne Grammar, Ryley Sanders has taken his career as a midfielder seriously from day one.
He averaged 31 disposals for the Sandringham Dragons, proving he is a fearless ball magnet who isn't afraid to create play off his own boot.
Caleb Windsor - Pick 7, Melbourne
Caleb Windsor dominates the wing with a blistering speed, like Geelong's Max Holmes.
The Vic-based star joins the Dees with his run-and-carry lauded as unique in his draft class.
Even more impressively, Windsor has the ability to hit the scoreboard.
He is a huge selection who stand alone in his draft class as a genuine wingman.
Daniel Curtin - Pick 8, Adelaide
WA's Daniel Curtin has been widely touted as the most versatile pick in his draft class, coming in with the ability to work through the midfield, or stand tall in defence.
He's a bit of Marcus Bontempelli and a bit of Steven May, full of composure, particularly when he plays down back.
