When is the AFL National Draft 2023? Dates, schedule, selection order, players

The 2023 AFL National Draft will give clubs the opportunity to select and recruit the very best Under-18 footballers in the country. 

Having played full campaigns in the U18 National Championships, Coates Talent League, or state leagues, the country's best young footballers will be keen to hear their names called on draft night. 

This year’s National Draft is set to feature the likes of Harley Reid, Ryley Sanders, and Jed Walter, who have impressed in the championships and beyond. 

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

When is the AFL National Draft 2023? 

The 2023 AFL National Draft will commence on Monday, November 20 at 7:00pm (AEDT) at Marvel Stadium.

The draft will be held over three nights, with the first round (picks 1-22) coming on day one. Subsequent National Draft rounds will take place on Tuesday, November 21 at 7:00pm (AEDT).

A further pre-season and rookie draft occur on day three (November 22), where clubs can select delisted AFL players and mature-age recruits on rookie contracts. 

MORE: AFL Phantom Draft 2023

When can AFL draft picks be traded?

While the bulk of the AFL Trade Period has finished, clubs are still able to trade their current and future selections. 

The Selections Only trade window opens on Monday, October 23 at 9am AEDT, and closes on Friday, November 10, at 5pm. 

A brief window will also open prior to the second round of the National Draft (Tuesday, November 21) from 5:45pm to 6:30pm.

Keep a watch on a potential trade for the No.1 pick and Harley Reid, with several clubs interested in packaging their selections for the top choice. 

AFL 2023 draft prospects

Versatile midfielder Harley Reid is set to headline the 2023 AFL National Draft after a standout Under-18s year. 

The 18-year-old has impressed in VFL appearances for Carlton and Essendon, while also winning the Vic Country MVP award in the championships. 

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Key forward and Gold Coast Academy product Jed Walter could challenge Reid for the top spot, after kicking 11 goals for the Allies at the national level. 

Athletic midfielder-forward Zane Duursma caught eyes with his dominant late-season form and should follow the consensus top two in selection. 

The Larke Medal for the best player in the U18s National Championship was given to Tasmanian midfielder Ryley Sanders, who showed excellent burst and poise in the contest. 

Fellow Tasmanian Colby McKercher is also set for an early selection, with small forward Nick Watson and Western Australian utility Daniel Curtin among the other top talents.

AFL draft order 2023 (updated after first round)

AFL clubs are awarded picks based on ladder position, with the lowest-placed teams given priority in draft selection. 

Teams are able to trade picks during the trade period and during draft night, which can see dramatic shifts in selection order.

Here's how the AFL National Draft order stands as of Thursday, November 20:

First Round

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7