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.
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.
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.
Position: Key Forward
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Ashburton
Date of Birth: 08/03/04
Height: 195cm
Weight: 84kg
One of the leading tall forward options ahead of the draft, Jefferson is likely to land in the first round of next week's count as a number of clubs look to bolster their attacking target options.
Jefferson booted 14 goals from his four matches for Vic Metro this year to help lead his side to the National Championships title, with his campaign highlighted by a seven-goal outing against Western Australia.
His form for Metro mirrored his strong season with Oakleigh in the NAB League, where he averaged 1.3 goals per game after being limited to just sux matched due to injury.
Jefferson's ability to out-mark his direct opponent and look comfortable converting his set shots are what have Jefferson so well rated, with his balance of mobility and composure a handy double threat.
Just needing to add some size in the early years of his development, Jefferson could end up as the pick of the draft by the time his AFL career ends.
Position: Midfielder/Forward
State: South Australia
State League Club: Woodville-West Torrens
Community Club: PHOS Camden
Date of Birth: 27/12/04
Height: 190cm
Weight: 89kg
While some might suggest we're 'shoe-horning' Phillipou in with the forwards, there's a clear case that the South Australian youngster is among the best attacking options at the draft.
While he may split more of his minutes in midfield, when Phillipou is positioned in the forward third he remains one of the most damaging players on the field.
Phillipou's ability to be such a significant threat when the ball is loose for a player of his size is a big attraction for AFL clubs, while the Woodville-West Torrens gun is among the best aerial threats among this year's crop.
Last season put Phillipou on the map, having booted 25 goals (1.5 per game) for the Eagles' Under-18s side while collecting 23.3 disposals, 4 marks, 3.4 tackles, 3.6 inside 50s and 3.8 clearances per game as a bottom-ager.
This year Phillipou has only strengthened his bid as a potential top 10 draft selection, with his brimming confidence a trait that separates him from the rest.
Position: Key Forward
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: GWV Rebels
Community Club: Darley
Date of Birth: 03/03/04
Height: 195cm
Weight: 91kg
The leading key forward prospect among this year's pool, Cadman has emerged from being an outside top-20 prospect to the potential No.1 pick thanks to a strong season with the GWV Rebels and Vic Country.
Cadman booted 34 goals from his 12 appearances in the NAB League this year to sit second highest in the league's goalkicking tally. Nine of those performances would include multiple goals and four saw Cadman record 20 or more touches.
The athletic spearhead has looked to follow the playbook of Cats star Jeremy Cameron, boasting an ability to move further up the ground when required.
His long-range left foot also shows similarities to Cameron, who has even looked to mentor Cadman this year.
With GWS said to be hunting the Darley native, Cadman could fill the void left by Cameron in Sydney's west.
Position: Forward/Midfielder
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Sandringham Dragons
Community Club: Ajax
Date of Birth: 13/10/04
Height: 185cm
Weight: 80kg
A marvellous and mercurial prospect in front of goal, Sheezel is the premium forward threat among the class of 2022.
The Sandringham star booted a competition-high 36 goals from his 14 matches for the year to edge out Cadman and Tasmanian Brandon Leary as the leading goalkicker in the NAB League.
Sheezel booted a goal in all but one appearance, with his 2022 haul made up of four matches with four goals and one six-goal, 28-disposal performance in Round 4 against the Devils.
While also sharing the ability to play through the middle, Sheezel is a tenacious threat when the ball hits the deck, able to rove a loose Sherrin and quickly convert on the scoreboard.
Adding to his stellar ground-ball skillset, Sheezel is also an astute impact player when the ball is in the air, having shown off his overhead abilities in 2022.
His pinpoint ball movement, whether that be on goal or setting up a teammate, is another highlight among Sheezel's capabilities, with the Ajax star having a heavily-strung bow.