ONTO night one.
The football world will once again return to Marvel Stadium with an eye to the future, as the 2023 AFL Draft gets underway.
The first round, which is shaping to be one of the longest we’ve ever seen, will take centre stage on night one, with up to 28 or 29 selections.
That means it’s going to be an agonising wait for Carlton fans, with the Blues having the final pick of the first round.
Here’s what to look out for over the next few days.
How many selections will Carlton make?
Three. And they’ll be nice and spaced out should everything remain the same.
National Recruiting Manager Mick Agresta confirmed the Blues would be looking to make three selections over the coming days — two via the national draft, and one via the rookie draft on Wednesday.
"To get two bites of the cherry, we're really excited about that . . . we'll take the best available."
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) November 19, 2023
All business.
It's draft day! National Recruiting Manager Mick Agresta gives plenty of insight into what we can expect tonight.
What picks do the Blues have?
This is where it gets confusing. We get it.
As things stand, the Blues hold picks Nos.22 and 28 in the national draft. However, what they start with won’t be what they end with.
With potentially six or seven academy and father-son bids to be placed inside the first round, Carlton’s opening pick will likely sit at No.28 or No.29. Unless the Blues trade the selection out, it’ll be the final pick of the first night.
As things currently stand, the Blues will then have the sixth pick of the second round, which will take place on Tuesday night.
When exactly is the draft?
Good question.
It kicks off tonight with the first round at Marvel Stadium, following the format of recent years. Clubs will be back at Marvel Stadium for the second round onwards on Tuesday night, with the rookie and pre-season drafts to follow on Wednesday.
How can I tune in?
Both nights of the national draft will be broadcast live on FOX Footy and Kayo.
How can I get the latest Carlton draft news?
You’re already here, silly.
Whether it’s carltonfc.com.au or via our social media channels, we’ll have all the information you need plus those behind-the-scenes reactions the moment we welcome our newest Blues.
What about after the draft? Will the Blues have any spots for train-on players?
At this stage, no. Agresta confirmed that the Blues are planning to have a full complement of players come the conclusion of Wednesday’s rookie draft.
