In the first chapter of Zero Hanger'sย positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023 AFL Draft, we'll be counting down the five best forward prospects on offer.
Between spearheads, small forwards or hybrid assets, the premier attacking names among this year's class each offer differing skill sets and strengths, with each of the top five a live chance of earning top 10 draft selections.
Two of the five players listed have ties to AFL clubs via either father-son or Academy links, while a further two teenagers in this list won't be the first from their families to step up to the elite level.
Accompanied by comments from AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best forward prospects for the 2023 AFL Draft...
1. Jed Walter
FULL PROFILE
Position: Key Forward
Height: 194cm
Weight: 97kg
State: Queensland
Club: Palm Beach Currumbin
A goliath for the opposition to deal with, Walter's dominant size and strength saw him emerge as a difference maker for his direct opponents this year at both the National Championships and Talent League pathways.
Up against the best key defenders this year's class has to offer, Walter booted 11 goals from his four games with the Allies to help the multi-state side clinch its maiden carnival title.
The Palm Beach Currumbin junior and Suns Academy graduate would also leave a resounding impact on the Talent League from the same amount of appearances for Gold Coast, where he booted 18 goals to average a competition-best 4.5 goals per game.
Had it not been for his links to the Suns, Walter could've been the first name called at next week's National Draft given his ready-made frame and key position qualities.
The 194cm tall forward is likely to earn a bid early into the draft and will be viewed as the long-term partner for Suns spearhead Ben King for the years to come.
Kevin Sheehan says:ย A strong and powerful tall forward who has taken all before him in the past two years starring for the Gold Coast Suns Academy and the Allies and is a back-to-back All Australian at under 18 level. Has a real physical presence up forward with his appetite for the contest, along with his second efforts and tackling pressure.
