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
6. (7th) Collingwood
The Pies had a good spread of players hitting the scoreboard last season, with 12 players kicking ten or more goals throughout the year, with key forward Brody Mihocek topping the table with 41 majors.
Collingwood's biggest issue up forward though was that Mihocek needed a solid partner alongside him to ease the pressure on his shoulders. The off-season acquisition of Daniel McStay should help the Pies in this regard, with the former Lion slotting into the side in Collingwood's pre-season win over Hawthorn, kicking two goals, but is yet to kick more than 28 goals in a season in his nine-year AFL career.
Ash Johnson also looms as a possible third member of a potential tall attacking trio, featuring in nine games last season for 15 goals, though the Pies may use their ruck duo of Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox as their alternate third option.
Jack Ginnivan needs no introduction around the league and should have an immediate impact after returning from suspension, expected to continue the form that saw him have a breakout 2022 season, kicking 40 majors from 23 games. Alongside Ginnivan, Jamie Elliott had a starring role in Collingwood's resurgence last season and should do more of the same in 2023.
Another recruit in attack is former Giant Bobby Hill, who made the move south from GWS during 2022's trade period. Hill played 41 games across four seasons while at the Giants and has impressed this pre-season, putting plenty of pressure on the small forward spots.
Patrick Lipinksi will be sidelined for the first half of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, while Beau McCreery should feature as another ground-level option.
