AFL Editorial and Opinion

Every AFL club’s forward line ranked: Part II

Whose attacking outlets make up the middle of our forward rankings?

Published by
Benjamin Millard

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 - as Richmond 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 club’s forward line ranked: Part I

(12) Carlton

Outside of one man and one man only, the Blues forward line lacks the personnel to deliver what fans so desperately crave - a premiership.

The man in question is Harry McKay, with the competition's best forward last year accounting for a huge amount of his club's goalscoring output, with the 23-year-old finishing with 58 goals for the year.

Charlie Curnow will be ready to fire for season 2022 after over a year on the sidelines through injury and will be expected to help shift some of the load off of McKay's shoulders over the course of the year.

Zac Fisher, Jack Martin, Josh Honey and new draftee Jesse Motlop will try to collectively fill the void left by club great Eddie Betts after the enigmatic forward managed to boot 27 goals in his final campaign for the Blues in 2021.

Jack Silvagni had an emotional 2021 but will keep his role across half-forward that he called home for the 15 games he appeared in last year.

Matt Owies and Lachlan Fogarty should deputise should any of the Blues' first-choice forwards be dropped, with Michael Voss' small forward stocks well and truly replenished in the lead up to Round 1.

(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.

(10) Greater Western Sydney

The Giants boast a couple of bright stars in their attacking ranks, however lack a forward line that can truly spook opposition.

Toby Greene is the obvious focal point of attack for Leon Cameron and is arguably the league's most enigmatic figure, booting 45 goals in 18 games last season.

The side's two key forwards Harry Himmelberg and Jesse Hogan are able to chip in on a regular basis, however, the Giants rely on many a goal from their small forwards.

It's the likes of Brent Daniels and Bobby Hill who provide a large attacking spark, as well as the club's stacked mid-forward brigade.

Stephen Coniglio, Tim Taranto, Josh Kelly and Matt De Boer are able to drive forward when it matters, with the most former of the quartet set to spend a large portion of his time in 2022 down in attack according to pre-season match simulations.

Daniel Lloyd, Jake Riccardi and Zach Sproule are on the fringe again for the Giants, not cracking their best 22 but still able to be there when they need to be called upon.

(9) St Kilda

The Sainters boast an evolving forward line with Brett Ratten adding some youth over the summer to build for the future.

Max King is the main spearhead of the attack, booting 38 goals in 2021 whilst teammate Tim Membrey also had a fruitful year in the form of 34 goals for the campaign.

2021 arrival Jack Higgins was an effective presence in his first year under Brett Ratten, whilst former Tigers teammate Dan Butler will be looking to recapture his 2020 form after a slightly quieter campaign last year.

Big Rowan Marshall is able to play as another key forward should he be needed in the attacking 50, however will likely play in the ruck for the majority of his time on-field this year.

Jade Gresham will be looking to string together a consistent run of games from his native mid-forward position, as will Sandringham Dragons youngster Marcus Windhager, who will be wanting to break into the side at some point in the year.

Mid-season draftee Cooper Sharman burst onto the scene last year, booting 10 goals in just four appearances and will be hoping to continue his form into this year.

Finally, injured star Josh Battle will be in contention for selection in Round 1 and raring to go after his 2021 ended prematurely off the back of an injured ankle.

(8) Geelong

The Cats being down this low might alarm some, but outside of their twin towers, there isn't a whole heap to get up and about over.

Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron are the quality pair in the Geelong setup, booting 62 and 39 majors respectively in 2021.

Whilst Gary Rohan had a fruitful year with 32 goals in 21 appearances, his habit of going missing in big games hinders his reputation heavily.

Bradley Close and Gryan Miers will lineup in the Cats' attacking 50 come Round 1, with Close especially finding his feet in 2021 after only managing eight games in 2020.

Mitch Duncan is a handy option to have off of half-forward, however only appeared in 14 games last year and wasn't able to get going at all as his side's campaign came to a disappointing end once again.

Former Crow Tyson Stengle joins the Cats ranks this season and should provide some flair inside attacking 50, with veteran Shaun Higgins hopefully be able to fulfil some attacking duties if he is called upon.

Esava Ratugolea, Jonathon Ceglar and Rhys Stanley will also find time forward in sharing ruck duties, while onballer Patrick Dangerfield and Brandan Parfitt can be used in attack.

(7) Richmond

The Tigers have an ageing forward line, however, similar to St Kilda, have added some attacking prowess over the off-season.

Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch remain the two key targets with the former of the pair coming into the twilight years of his AFL career despite having another successful campaign in 2021.

Shai Bolton was the breakout star for Richmond in 2021, soaring high to claim Mark of the Year whilst being able to drift into midfield.

Dustin Martin will likely be unleashed down deep forward with his kidney injury expected to have taken away some of his physicality, while Noah Balta and Liam Baker are rumoured to be two names that could be thrown into attack at points throughout the year to help their side out.

From the draft, Tyler Sonsie and Judson Clark are two very exciting prospects that are expected to go far at Tigerland, with the pair set to leave defenders on their heels with their highly-rated flair.

The usual suspects of Kane Lambert, Jason Castagna and Jake Aarts will also be in and around attacking 50 at points throughout the year, with the former spending most of his time in midfield as of current.

Published by
Benjamin Millard