16 intriguing draft prospects will be available to nine AFL clubs this season via the father-son, Next Generation Academy, or Northern Academy pathways.
Ahead of November’s intake, Hawthorn is connected to two father-son names and an NGA prospect, and the Gold Coast Suns’ well-documented Academy crop is expected to figure prominently early in the count.
While several NGA prospects are expected to be selected before the 40th pick in the National Draft, clubs with prospects connected to the NGA will not be able to use their priority access until after that point.
Here is a sneak peek at the top Northern Academy, father-son, and NGA prospects for 2023, along with the potential selection dates for each prospect.
Dad and Sons
This year’s eligible father-son class features two standout players for the Hawks, and at either end of the draft, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are also anticipated to add well-known players to their respective clubs. Sydney might also sign a well-known team after an overage player who was passed over the previous year had a fantastic 2023 campaign.
Will McCabe (Hawthorn): The son of former Hawk Luke McCabe, Will is possibly South Australia’s top prospect this year and one of the best tall defenders in his division. With his strong intercepting and aerial ability, the Tanunda junior could draw a bid in the first round of the draft following a year in which he emerged as a possible top 20 prospect. With his prowess in marking and kicking, McCabe can also swing forward and play as an attacking threat. Sam Mitchell should consider including the 197-cm teenager in his plans.
After a successful year in the Talent League, Sandringham Dragons star forward Calsher Dear (Hawthorn) is expected to move to Waverley the following season. This is the second half of Hawthorn’s father-son plans. Dear, the late Paul Dear’s son and the winner of the Norm Smith Medal, was one of his team’s best players in the Talent League Grand Final victory over the Eastern Ranges. He showed off his forward and ruck skills with 13 disposals, two goals, and 14 hitouts. Dear may be selected late in the draft, and the Hawks may also select the important position prospect in the Rookie Draft.
Kynan Brown (Melbourne): The Oakleigh Chargers midfielder, son of former 146-game Demon Nathan Brown, is a quick and talented ball-winner who could one day support current father-son Demons Jack Viney and Taj Woewodin in Simon Goodwin’s engine room. At this year’s National Championships, Brown averaged 23.0 disposals, 4.3 tackles, and 4.0 clearances per game for Vic Metro, winning the team’s best and fairest award. Either the Rookie Draft or Melbourne’s final pick in the National Draft could result in a bid for Brown.
