Kevin Sheehan’s 2023 AFL Draft top prospects: Tall defenders

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan has released profiles on the top tall defender prospects ahead of the 2023 AFL Draft.

The 2023 AFL Draft will be held on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21. The 2023 AFL Rookie Draft will follow on Wednesday, November 22.

Sheehan’s player profiles will be released by positional group each week ahead of this year’s Draft.

The players profiled attended the 2023 AFL Draft Combine or 2023 AFL State Draft Combine which were held during October.

NATIONAL COMBINE

Daniel Curtin
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: West Coast
Date of Birth: 08/03/05
Height: 197cm

A left-footed defender who experienced a frustrating run with injury during the 2022 season before getting back to play in the AFL Futures game at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day. He excelled for Team Houli with 22 disposals and nine marks to claim best on the ground honours. Continued that form into this season and was outstanding for Western Australia at the National Championships winning his team’s MVP award and All-Australian honours after averaging 23.5 disposals and 6.5 marks playing as a defender and midfielder. Played a handful of senior games at club level and ended the season being one of his team’s best in a premiership win at under 18s level. His agility, speed for his size and precise kicking are all features of his game.

Zane Zakostelsky
State: Western Australia
State League Club: Claremont
Community Club: North Beach
Date of Birth: 14/12/05
Height: 196cm

Tall defender and ruckman who developed rapidly as the year progressed. Was selected in the final two games for Western Australia at the National Championships with his incept marking a feature. Was a consistent performer for Claremont at Colts level averaging 15.2 disposals in 13 matches and was best on ground in the club’s Grand Final win with 22 disposals and 14 hitouts. Followed up that performance by being one of the athletic stars of the National Combine. His standing vertical jump of 80cm ranked number one overall along with producing top-six times in the agility test (8.23 seconds) and 20m sprint (2.95 seconds). Potential Draft bolter who doesn’t turn 18 years until mid-December so has plenty of upside.