The start of the 2023 AFL season is drawing closer and with it comes the second instalment of Zero Hanger's forward line rankings, revealing the 12-7 spots.
We've already named our 18-13 ranked forward lines, but now it's time to dive into the middle of the table as we reveal the next six best forward lines in the AFL.
SEE: PART I OF OUR FORWARD RANKINGS
2. (11th) Essendon
The Bombers struggled inside 50 in 2022, with forward pressure being one of their more noticeable issues throughout the year. While the Bombers looked to have improved this pre-season, only time will tell if that holds up over the course of 2023.
Peter Wright dominated goalkicking at Essendon last season, kicking 53 goals from 22 games to finish fifth in the Coleman Medal standings. The Sun-turned-Bomber will spearhead a revamped Essendon attack, with some fresh and old faces set to run amok inside 50.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's return to the club should provide more of a spark inside 50, with the 29-year-old impressing plenty upon his return to Tullamarine, looking likely to play his first game in more than over a year in the opening weeks of the season.
The inclusion of Sam Weideman from Melbourne adds even more height to Essendon's attack, with the 25-year-old standing at nearly two metres tall, and is expected to slot into the side as the second tall alongside Wright.
The arrive of Weideman bodes well for Harrison Jones, who managed 10 games last season for 13 goals, with the duo of Wright and Weideman expected to draw attention away from the developing forward.
Jake Stringer heads into 2023 with a slight cloud over his head regarding his fitness levels and injury, not featuring in either of the Bombers' pre-season matches due to a hamstring injury suffered early in the year, but questions still remain if the 28-year-old will feature in the forward line or midfield.
Meanwhile, young recruits Jye Menzie and Alwyn Davey Jr have turned heads during pre-season and should see senior opportunity, while Archie Perkins should continue to see consistent game time as he develops.
