With 64 picks made over two intense nights, the 2023 AFL draft has been finalised.
After the first round on Monday evening, rounds two and beyond were resolved on Tuesday — and it was not without surprises.
In outgoing Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro’s final draft, the club carried out a cunning move to secure Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Luamon Lual at pick No.39.
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According to AFL draft rules, as a linked club, if Lual had been taken with pick No.40 or above, the Bulldogs would have had the opportunity to match any bid.
A promising medium defender with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and South Warrnambool, Lual had been linked to the Bulldogs.
However, Dodoro’s quick thinking ensured the Bulldogs were not able to do anything as Essendon pounced.
“It’s amazing how what list managers and recruiting groups have got to be across … another couple of picks and these guys can be walked through the door through the NGA programs,” draft expert Mick Ablett told Fox Footy.
“Very smart recruiting again from Adrian Dodoro, he’s aware of that and he’s got his man.”
The later stages of the draft did not follow the script as top prospects Ollie Murphy (pick No.41 to Fremantle), Archie Roberts (pick No.54 to Essendon) and Arie Schoenmaker (pick No.62 to St Kilda) all slid down the order before finding their new homes.
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“That’s not a bargain buy, that’s daylight robbery getting Archie Roberts at pick 54. He’s surgical by foot, his ball use is outstanding,” Ablett said of Roberts’ selection to Fox Footy.
However, it was Geelong who enacted the shock of the night, acquiring not one but two mature-age players.
With pick No.36 they nabbed 26-year-old Shawn Mannagh.
The talented midfielder starred for Werribee in the VFL this year, which included a 28-possession and six-goal showing in the grand final to claim the Norm Goss Memorial Medal for best on ground.
Then, with pick No.61, Geelong selected 21-year-old Oliver Wiltshire.
Following in the footsteps of premiership defender Tom Stewart, the bright midfielder hails from Barwon Heads.