Ryan Maric loomed as the likely first pick in the Mid-Season draft. (Image: AFL Photos)
11 players had their AFL dreams become a reality and two players are back in the league after the 2023 Mid-Season Draft.
11 teams had atleast one selection in Wednesday night’s draft, looking to top up their lists in positions that are perhaps lacking depth or simply seeking the best talent available.
See the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Draft selections below.
Pick 1: West Coast
Ryan Maric
Gippsland Power, Coates Talent League
FWD, 18, 193cm, 83kg
The projected number one pick has been selected exactly where many experts had him, offering the Eagles some very helpful forward depth. Him and Oscar Allen in the front half can give Eagles fans something to get excited about for years to come.
Pick 2: North Melbourne
Robert Hansen Jnr
Subiaco, WAFL
FWD, 19, 180cm, 70kg
The Kangaroos have opted for the crafty small-forward from WA and its no surprise he has been taken at pick two given his ability to get the ball inside 50 to key position players and generate his own scoring opportunities.
Pick 3: Hawthorn
Clay Tucker
Eastern Ranges, Coates Talent League
RUCK, 18, 204cm, 99kg
Hawthorn needed some ruck depth, and that is exactly what they got in Tucker. The Hawks have looked to bring in some rucks in previous Mid-Season drafts, however, Tucker evidently is a project for the future being just 18 years of age.
Pick 4: Richmond
Matt Coulthard
South Adelaide, SANFL
FWD, 22, 176cm, 69kg
Coulthard has swiftly risen to the forefront of AFL recruitment consideration in 2023, after he small forward exhibited his abilities last weekend, delivering an impressive four-goal performance, capturing attention with his exceptional skills.
Pick 5: GWS Giants
PASS
Pick 6: Sydney
Harry Arnold
Brisbane Lions, VFL
DEF, 24, 195cm, 84kg
Arnold, a former member of the Suns Academy, is a versatile player capable of playing as a mobile key forward or defender. He possesses excellent kicking skills and made his debut for the Suns U19’s last year, featuring in nine games.
Pick 7: Geelong
Mitch Hardie
Woodville-West Torrens, WAFL
MID, 25, 185cm, 82kg
Hardie, who was recruited from Woodville West-Torrens Eagles, has been a part of the Eagles in the WAFL since 2021, accumulating 29 senior games. Notably, he had the opportunity to play alongside now teammate Tyson Stengle during his time at the club a couple of years ago.
Pick 8: Fremantle
Ethan Stanley
Box Hill, VFL
WING, 19, 188cm, 83kg
Considering that Maric and Tucker were already selected, Stanley emerged as a standout wing candidate. Stanley’s exceptional speed and significant contribution to scoring opportunities have garnered admiration throughout 2023 landing him at the Dockers.
Pick 9: Essendon
Jaiden Hunter
Perth, WAFL
FWD, 21, 196cm, 93kg
Following three seasons plagued by injuries and COVID-19 disruptions, Hunter has experienced a remarkable resurgence in form for Perth this year. He had a career defining performance, delivering an exceptional performance with five goals against South Fremantle over the weekend.
Pick 10: Western Bulldogs
Caleb Poulter
Footscray, VFL
WING, 20, 194cm, 84kg
The former wingman from Collingwood has made a strong impression playing for Footscray in the VFL this season. At just 20 years old, earning his spot on the Bulldogs senior list, seeking to fill the gap left by Lachie Hunter’s departure.
Pick 11: Port Adelaide
Quinton Narkle
Essendon, VFL
MID/FWD, 25, 182cm, 83kg
Displaying excellent form for the Bombers in the VFL, the former Cat has followed a strong start to the season with an impressive performance against Brisbane, accumulating 29 disposals and scoring two goals.
Pick 12: Hawthorn
Brandon Ryan
Northern Bullants, VFL
FWD, 25, 200cm, 86kg
Despite the Bullants challenging season in the VFL, Ryan, standing at 200cm has been a standout performer. Despite their two wins in eight matches, Ryan has shown promise as a mature-aged prospect and Hawthorn see all the potential he offers.
Pick 13: Richmond
James Trezise
Richmond, VFL
DEF, 20, 188cm, 76kg
In his brief tenure in the Richmond VFL team, Trezise has already left a lasting impression in the program, having featured in all eight games this season. The talented left-footer has showcased his raw skills across multiple positions but more so in defence, displaying his exciting potential.
Pick 14: GWS Giants
PASS
Pick 15: Sydney
Jack Buller
Claremont, WAFL
FWD, 22, 199cm, 99kg
The 22-year-old showcased his talent with a remarkable performance against South Fremantle, registering a career-best of 14 marks and four goals. Buller’s physical build has caught the attention of several clubs, and he has also demonstrated his versatility by occasionally playing in the ruck this season.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
About Author
