The 2023 season was a great year for goalkicking. For the first time since 2016, a player booted over 80 goals in a season (including finals). Charlie Curnow stormed home to take the Coleman Medal, averaging 3.1 goals per game.
The big forwards were well and truly back in fashion; Nick Larkey, Taylor Walker, Oscar Allen, Joe Daniher, Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron were all firing along with Curnow. Although small forwards did plenty of damage in 2023, we haven't picked any to take home the Coleman this coming season given the history of the award's winners.
Of course, small forwards can wreak havoc on an opponent's backline but the pure goalkicking talents of a big key forward seem more likely to take out the prized award.
With the 2024 season kicking off next month, we've picked out five of the leading candidates for the Coleman Medal.
Note:ย The players listed are in no particular order, simply the five potential winners we've selected.ย
4. Nick Larkey
Perhaps North Melbourne's best talent, Nick Larkey was dominant up forward for the Roos. Although his side was once again poor, Larkey did just about everything he could to ensure the club didn't finish last. Kicking 71 goals with an average of 3.1 per game, Larkey was rewarded for his efforts with his maiden All-Australian blazer.
With no other real tall forward targets at the Roos, the majority of the club's goal-scoring efforts will rely on the 25-year-old. Out of the top 20 goalkickers for 2023, Larkey ranks as number one for shots at goal accuracy with an astounding 71%. With that accuracy and hopefully more shots at goal in 2024, nothing can stop the 'Souv'.
Alastair Clarkson has his work cut out for him with this North Melbourne group. It seems to be an endless rebuild for the club, regardless of how much top-end talent they draft every year. However, signs have been relatively promising and with Larkey spearheading the side from the front, the club could see improvement.
