When is the 2023 AFL Draft Combine? Dates, player list, tests

A list of 61 players has been announced for the 2023 AFL Draft Combine, where the best national talent will have the chance to impress club recruiters. 

Last year's combine saw the agility test record broken by midfielder Darcy Jones, who was later selected by GWS, and gave fans a look at some of the most exciting players available. 

Combine results can drastically raise or lower the profile of under-18 footballers, making it one of the most interesting pre-draft AFL events. 

MORE: Who is Harley Reid? Potential No.1 draft pick dominates AFL Under 18s National Championships

When is the 2023 AFL Draft Combine? 

The 2023 AFL Draft Combine will be a three-day event, held in Melbourne from Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8.

A series of physical tests will take place at Margaret Court Arena on Sunday, with medical screening and club interviews to take place beforehand on Friday and Saturday at the MCG.

2023 AFL State Combines

In addition to the 61 players selected in the national combine, a further 20 players will attend state combines under the eyes of AFL recruiters. 

This includes an additional Victorian draft combine with players from the eastern states and Tasmania. 

A full-sized, official list of state combine players is yet to be released. 

2023 AFL Draft Combine tests

Players will undergo five physical tests on Sunday, 8th October, with results being observed by club recruiters and recorded by the AFL.

The physical testing includes: 

• Vertical jump
• Running vertical jump
• 20-metre spring
• Agility test
• 2km time trial

MORE: AFL Draft: Who has been the biggest draft steal of all time?

How are players chosen for the AFL Draft Combine?

Selection for the 2023 AFL Draft Combine requires a player to receive a certain number of nominations from AFL clubs.

All 18 clubs submitted a list of nominations for the combine, with 61 players named by the required amount of AFL clubs to qualify.

Getty Images

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan spoke about the quality and importance of the combine in August.  

“The players invited to the 2023 AFL Draft Combine are considered by AFL club recruiters to be among the top prospects in this year’s draft pool.” Sheehan began.

“The Combine will provide these young stars another opportunity to display their physical attributes during athletic testing. It also gives AFL clubs the opportunity to gain a better insight into each player during interviews.

“In many ways, the Combine is the final piece of the puzzle ahead of the upcoming AFL Draft.”

AFL Draft Combine Player List

AFL State Draft Combines Player List 

In addition to the 61 players' names in the national draft combines, a further 55 young footballers have been invited to participate in a state combine. 

Tew Jiath, the brother of Hawthorn's Changkuoth is one invitee who has impressed with recent form, while Melbourne father-son prospect Kynan Brown has also earned enough nominations.