North Melbourne has selected line-breaking defender Riley Hardeman with pick No.23 in the 2023 AFL Draft.

Hardeman, the Kangaroos' fifth selection on a huge opening night, captained Western Australia in this year's under-18 championships and was one of the side's standouts despite a tough campaign.

He earned All-Australian selection after averaging 18.5 disposals across the championships, before testing himself against bigger bodies by making his WAFL debut for Swan Districts.

A speed machine with a raking left-foot kick, he is also a strong mark, having placed in the top 10 for both jumps tests in the Draft Combine. 

With his pace and exciting ball movement the main features of his output, Hardeman is also capable of having an impact as an outside midfielder.