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.
1. Harry Sheezel
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.
