Demons grip 'glimmer of hope' landing likely No.1 pick as Eagles hold key
The 2023 AFL Draft has seen an interest in pick one like never before.
All eyes are on top draftee Harley Reid, who could land at West Coast with the first pick, unless North Melbourne or even 2021 premiers Melbourne can convince the Eagles otherwise.
The Demons have offered West Coast picks 6, 11, 42 and a future first rounder in exchange for the prized number one selection.
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Even Adelaide has joined the party and is keen to trade their way up the draft, despite holding three first rounder in picks 10, 14 and 20.
Melbourne has made it clear that they want Reid for his 'game changer' attributes, something their side, bundled out of the 2023 finals in straight sets for the second consecutive year, is in need of.
"There was always a glimmer of hope," Demons recruiting manager Jason Taylor said on Friday on the prospect of grabbing pick one.
"If you look over the journey, players like Harley Reid are game changers."
It's the Eagles, who hold the key to this year's draft and importantly, the home of likely no.1 selection, Harley Reid.
WHEN IS THE 2023 AFL DRAFT?
The 2023 national draft will be held on Monday, November 20 with the picks to get underway from 7pm (AEDT).
It is a two-day event, with the second round to take place the next night, Tuesday 21 November.
WHERE CAN YOU WATCH THE AFL DRAFT?
The draft will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, while fans can also stream the draft live on Kayo Sports.
HOW ARE THE DRAFT PICKS ORDERED?
Each of the 18 clubs earn draft picks which are based on the reverse ladder order from the most recently completed AFL season.
Picks can be traded up to a year in advance of the draft, while teams are also available to trade picks with each other during the draft. Picks are also given out as compensation by the AFL for clubs who lose players to free agency.
HOW DOES THE BIDDING SYSTEM WORK?
Clubs who have the first-choice of academy players as well as father-son players have to 'pay' draft picks in order to secure them.
Rival clubs reserve the right to bid on any player at any point in time, whereby the player's nominated club can choose to match the bid in order to draft the player.
If the bid is not matched, then academy or father-son prospects can be snapped up by rival clubs.
WHERE IS THE AFL DRAFT HELD?
Marvel Stadium will again host the first round draft, with up to 28 picks expected on the first night.
2023 DRAFT FIRST-ROUND ORDER
1. West Coast
2. North Melbourne
3. North Melbourne (Ben McKay compensation pick)
4. Hawthorn
5. Western Bulldogs
6. Melbourne
7. GWS
8. Geelong
9. Essendon
10. Adelaide
11. Melbourne
12. Sydney
13. St Kilda
14. Adelaide
15. North Melbourne
16. GWS
17. North Melbourne
18. North Melbourne
19. Collingwood
20. Adelaide
21. St Kilda
22. Carlton
WHAT PICKS YOUR CLUB OWN
Adelaide: 10, 14, 20
Brisbane: 30, 39, 51, 54, 65
Carlton: 22, 28, 68
Collingwood: 19, 33, 72, 80, 84
Essendon: 9, 31, 35
Fremantle: 34, 46, 60, 63, 74
Geelong: 8, 25, 70, 75, 79, 81, 85
Gold Coast: 24, 26, 27, 32, 36, 38
Greater Western Sydney: 7, 16, 43, 59, 71
Hawthorn: 4, 44, 47, 49, 61, 62
Melbourne: 6, 11, 42, 78
North Melbourne: 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 57
Port Adelaide: 69, 83, 87
Richmond: 29, 41, 64, 66
St Kilda: 13, 21, 40, 77, 82, 86
Sydney: 12, 45, 55, 76
West Coast: 1, 23, 37, 58, 73
Western Bulldogs: 5, 48, 50, 52, 53, 56, 67
PREDICTED TOP DRAFT PROSPECTS
Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers)
Position: Midfielder/Utility, Height: 185cm
Reid has been in the spotlight all year, meaning he'll very likely go at pick one on draft night.
The 18-year-old could end up at West Coast, unless a deal is struck with Melbourne, or even North Melbourne to trade the prized first selection.
Reid is a fearless midfielder with power in his stride, coupled with strong aerial ability.
Harley Reid of Vic Country takes possession of the ball during the 2023 U18 Boys Championships match between Vic Country and Vic Metro. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Jed Walter (Suns Academy/Allies)
Position: Key Forward, Height: 195cm
Gold Coast will be able to match a bid for the key forward even if he comes in the top ten. Walter's agility is highly-touted across the league.
The 195cm key forward averaged 4.5 goals and 5.5 marks a game during his time in the Coates Talent League.
North Melbourne hold pick two, with the key forward ready made to slot in at AFL level.
Zane Duursma - Gippsland Power/Vic Country
Position: Midfielder/Small Forward, Height: 189cm
The younger brother of Port Adelaide-turned Essendon winger Xavier Duursma, Zane has adopted the same explosive nature in his game.
Duursma has steadied himself through the middle, but managed to boot 33 goals in the Coates Talent League, showing his talent in front of the big sticks.
His ability to run the lines and create opportunity through the middle has piqued interest from clubs looking for their next x-factor.
Zane Duursma of the Gippsland Power. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Daniel Curtin - Claremont/Western Australia
Position: Key Defender/Midfielder, Height: 195cm
It's not just the backline where the WA prospect shines, with his midfield ability drawing extra attention as he enters the draft.
At the very top, he will slot into a senior side's defence with ease, but his hunger at ground level and ability to hunt the ball makes him a multi-faceted target for all clubs.
Ryley Sanders - Sandringham Dragons/Allies
Position: Midfielder, Height: 186cm
Your classic midfielder, Sanders prides himself on his bull-like performances through the middle, as a strong contested-ball player.
A ball magnet, he proved himself in a dominant display for the Allies, starring in one game with 35 disposals, seven clearances and two goals against South Australia.
