Clubs that look to build a strong case for the premiership will identify their ability to mount pressure on the opposition as a key barometer in their flag credentials.
Being able to lock the ball in your forward third and reset an onslaught aids a club's attack as much as it does their defence, building a constant threat on the scoreboard.
While the primary duty of the forward line is set to get the best result in front of goal, one of the more advantageous avenues to do so comes from implementing continuous and insufferable pressure in your own attacking end.
The term 'pressure forward' has become a required component for every side, with these archetypes utilised for their ability to defend in the forward 50 as much as their keen eye for goal.
With the ability to place constant forward pressure increasingly becoming a greater necessity, we look at the clubs leading the competition for tackles inside forward 50.
3. St Kilda
Tackles Inside 50: 192
Club leader: Dan Butler (35)
The Saints proved to be among the top clubs for elite forward pressure again in 2021, ranking third in the league for tackles inside 50 despite finishing outside the top eight for total tackles.
St Kilda also missed the cut-off to reach a second straight finals finish, however their ability to construct waves of pressure in attack sees them highly regarded for the metric.
Looking to build on a stunning 2020 season, Dan Butler ranked fourth in the AFL this year tackles inside 50, laying 35 from his 22 matches.
Midfielder Brad Crouch and goalsneak Jack Higgins both recorded 21 tackles inside forward 50, ranking equal second at Moorabbin and proving the club's recruitment has substantially bolstered their pressure in attack.
