With the AFL season just around the corner, we've reached the final instalment of our forwards ranking series, with the top six spots revealed.
We've identified the top six forward lines in the AFL, revealing our number one spot for the 2023 season.
SEE: PART I AND PART II OF OUR FORWARD RANKINGS
6. Melbourne
The Demons are looming as genuine premiership contenders once again in 2023, but will need to sort some issues with their efficiency inside 50 should they wish to improve on their preliminary final finish last season.
Melbourne ranked third competition wide for inside 50s in 2022, but sixth for points scored, averaging 12.5 goals per game.
The two tall pillars in the forward line, Ben Brown and Tom McDonald, form a reliable combination, kicking 45 goals between them in an injury-interrupted 2022, but will need to capitalise on opportunities. The Dees though, have plenty of other avenues to goal.
The highly anticipated ruck duo of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy combined for six goals in Melbourne's practice match win over Richmond, and should provide some aerial dominance inside 50.
Kysaiah Pickett meanwhile managed 41 goals from 23 games last season and will be dangerous for the Demons once again, while Charlie Spargo and Kade Chandler impressed in Melbourne's practice match. Chandler, who managed just four games last season, may find it tough to break into the Demons' side but showed plenty against the Tigers, demonstrating the depth the Dees have in the forward half.
Bayley Fritsch led the Demons' goalkicking tally last season, ending the year with 55 goals from 24 games, and is invaluable to the club inside 50, while top draft pick Jacob Van Rooyen could finally see some game time after a dominant 2022 season in the VFL as the Demons continue to develop their young prospect.
