Connor O'Sullivan (L) celebrates after Phoenix Gothard is drafted; and Nick Watson reacts after being taken by Hawthorn. Pictures: Screenshot/AFL Photos

THE excitement and emotions of draftees when their names are called out is one of the highlights of draft night, and 2023 certainly did not let us down.

The first round of the AFL Draft was held on Monday night at Marvel Stadium, and with players able to invite some family and friends along for the ride, the reactions in the room were brilliant.

TALKING POINTS Rise of the Phoenix, family ties, Crows' BIG move
WHO DID YOU PICK? The rundown on every club's 2023 draft haul

DRAFT TRACKER Full highlights, stats of your club’s draftees
DRAFT HUB Click here for the latest draft news

And even though no draftees were in attendance on the second night, the exhilaration of becoming an AFL player was no less evident, as captured on social media by their loved ones.

Check out some of the best reactions from the players, their families and friends below.  

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