As the 2022 National Draft nears, we begin to assess the top prospects for each position as AFL clubs look to fill certain list needs for 2023 and beyond.

To open our series we take a look at the five leading forward options among the 2022 draft pool, with this year's crop offering a great mix of small, medium and tall forward prospects.

Here we rank the top five forwards following the end of their draft campaigns.

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5. Brayden George

Position: Forward/Midfield
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Murray Bushrangers
Community Club: Wangaratta Rovers
Date of Birth: 13/01/04
Height: 186cm
Weight: 87kg

A medium-sized forward that packs a punch, George is an attacking bull that faced a difficult draft year in 2022.

The Murray Bushrangers prospect started his NAB League season in style, booting five goals against Gippsland in his side's season opener, before besting that haul with a bag of six goals against the Rebels a month later.

Injuries would hamper the second half of the teenager's season, which was eventually cut short due to an ACL injury late into the year.

While George is unlikely to play much football next season, the hard-nosed forward/midfield hybrid has shown more than enough to be in the conversation as a potential first-round selection.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26: Jacob Konstanty of Vic Country celebrates kicking a goal with Brayden George during the U17 Championships match between Vic Country and Vic Metro at GMHBA Stadium on June 26, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Much like North Melbourne's Cam Zurhaar, George is a serious forward that relies on power and explosiveness to punish his opponent, while also being a threat aerially.

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