Forwards are usually the players that get fans through the turnstiles, with their incredible eye for goal and licence to thrill making them one of the most valuable parts of any side.
The other departments of the ground can work their collective backsides off to get the ball to a scoring position, but if a team doesn't possess the personnel to hit the scoreboard then all their efforts will be in vain.
A good forward-line doesn't necessarily need to be stacked with key forwards - asย Richmondย in 2017 displayed - with the right game style suiting smalls who feed off packs to kick crafty majors and perform the heavy lifting of a tall.
With under a month left until the first round of the 2022 season kicks off, it's time to reflect on which forward lines are ranked. Here's part two of our series, ranking clubs from 12th-7th for their list of forwards.
Every AFL clubโs forward line ranked: Part I
2. (11) Essendon
The Bombers are unearthing a number of future stars who can fill key roles within their attacking lineup and provide bounds of excitement.
The usual suspects are still a huge part of Ben Rutten's plans, with Jake Stringer and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti being the two main outlets for Essendon as of current.
However, youngsters Harrison Jones, Archie Perkins and Brayden Ham stand as the next generation of Bombers on track to set the league alight.
Peter Wright can act as the main key forward, with the club still needing an out and out key forward as of current despite Wright pulling out a couple of inspiring displays across the course of 2021.
Devon Smith and Will Snelling should be the ones to pick up the remaining forward duties throughout 2022, as will Alec Waterman who will look to build on his 17 goals last year.
