BUDDING AFL Draft prospects are approaching the end of preseason, and that means recruiters are closer to realising if their early assessments of the 2023 crop are correct. A year out, this year’s intake has been touted as a potential ‘super draft’, headlined by unanimous top choice, Harley Reid.

He’s among a raft of players who have already proven capable of breaking games open in the forward half, which seems a running theme among the top-end talents. Before they take to the field in season 2023, we highlight 10 small and medium forwards poised to set the field alight as top-agers.

FORWARD FIREPOWER

Nate Caddy (Northern Knights/Vic Metro)
190cm | 14/07/2005

One of the standout prospects in next year’s crop, Caddy comes from good pedigree out of Melbourne’s north. He has arguably grown past his 190cm listing, presenting as a tall forward who attacks aerial contests with vigour and eye-catching athleticism. He could well hit true key position size, and plays that way, but is versatile enough that he may also have eyes on more midfield minutes in 2023.

>> Player Focus: Nate Caddy

Jack Callinan (Tasmania Devils)
177cm | 07/10/2005

The son of 32-game Adelaide Crow, Ian Callinan, Jack is a diminutive and clever forward who is proving the apple hardly falls far from the tree. He plays in perpetual motion and can cause headaches for opposition defenders with a sharp turn of speed and crafty skills to boot. He’ll be one of a few Tasmanians in the draft frame.

>> Q&A: Jack Callinan

Jack Delean (South Adelaide/South Australia)
181cm | 15/04/2005

Delean has long been on the radar of those who pay attention to the SANFL Under 18 competition, having consistently proven himself as a dangerous goalkicker. The crafty small can also pinch-hit further afield, but looks most at home close to goal where his smarts, agility, and innate finishing ability shine. He bases his game off the likes of Toby Greene and Cody Weightman.

>> Ones to Watch: South Australia

Zane Duursma (Gippsland Power/Vic Country)
188cm | 28/08/2005

The third in line from the Duursma clan, Zane is a natural forward who translates his traits when pinch-hitting in midfield. At 188cm and growing, he’s an aerial asset with wonderfully clean hands and a springy leap, while also looking smooth across the ground. He’s a player with genuine top 10 potential and the ability to develop as a pinch-hitting midfielder.

>> Player Focus: Zane Duursma

Ashton Moir (Glenelg/South Australia)
186cm | 5/04/2005

A potential challenger for the number one mantle, Moir’s sheer breadth of traits is enviable. He kicks with uncanny fluency off both feet, has the athleticism to fly for marks overhead, and can adapt his game to multiple roles. As it stands, he looks most dangerous inside 50 where he’s a real match winner and offers attributes similar to that of Isaac Heeney.

>> Which AFL stars do the SANFL U18s mould their game on?

Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country)
185cm | 17/04/2005

There is no more impressive bottom-ager in the country than Reid. While he looks most comfortable as a midfielder-forward, the game-winning utility has shown his wares behind the ball and can genuinely play on every line. He is already powerfully built and looked as accomplished as anyone throughout his bottom-age NAB League and National Championship campaigns. With athleticism and a knack for remarkable feats both in the air and across the ground, Reid will quickly become a fan favourite.

>> Top Prospects: 23 in 2023

Jake Rogers (Suns Academy/Queensland)
172cm | 02/03/2005

A small with plenty of tricks and upside, Rogers ticks a heap of boxes. Whether it be up forward or on either side of midfield, the nippy prospect absolutely cleans up at ground level and gets out of tight spots with a blend of eye-catching agility and sound decision making. Having already made his Allies debut, Rogers defies his size with performance and the natural nous to hold his own.

>> Q&A: Jake Rogers

Koltyn Tholstrup (Subiaco/Western Australia)
188cm | 28/06/2005

A powerful athlete, Tholstrup has plenty of traits which AFL recruiters and fans alike will love. The Subiaco standout is a proven goalkicker at Colts level and is capable of playing above his height, or even progressing as a midfielder. Not only is he in the first round conversation at this early stage, but Tholstrup has also thrown his hat in the ring for a senior WAFL debut early this year.

>> Ones to Watch: Western Australia

Orlando Turner (Norwood/Northern Territory)
16/05/2005

Perhaps one of the less-heralded names on this list, Turner is the lone Northern Territory native in the 2023 AFL Academy. Hailing from Alice Springs, he boards at Rostrevor College in Adelaide and is part of Norwood’s Under 18 setup. Turner has also played NTFL footy with Palmerston and represented the NT Under 16s last year, as a crafty small forward who moves smoothly and has notable goal sense. He also spent time on a wing in last year’s Under 17 Futures game.

>> Ones to Watch: Allies

Nick Watson (Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro)
170cm | 24/02/2005

Another early challenger for top spot in his draft class, Watson has all the swagger and skill that fans love. Though small in stature, the pocket rocket is wickedly clean and clever at ground level, but can take overhead marks on the lead and finish his work with eye-catching goals. Watson has also ventured into midfield, but seems so at home with his natural talent inside 50.

>> 2023 AFL Academy squad