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
5. Taylor Walker
Arguably the Crows' best forward of all time, assuming total goals is a good enough statistic for it.
Taylor Walker took his game to another level in 2023, booting a career-high 76 goals. His next-best output in a season was in 2012 with 63 majors.
Despite missing out on finals through an unfortunate umpire mistake, along with a plethora of narrow losses that hindered their chances, Walker was the standout for his side. Consistently providing an option in the forward 50, the big 'Texan' led from the front as a veteran well and truly should.
Whether the Crows make finals this year is up for debate, but if Walker continues his red-hot goalkicking form, there's no reason they can't get there.
Additionally, Walker barely missed out on the Coleman last season, he could very well go again in 2024.
