Our top 10 series continues with arguably the most valuable commodity in the game; the key forward.
Every team needs a capable tall target up forward if they're any hope of competing in big games, and boasting a superstar helps dramatically.
While premiership teams don't often hold the keys to the Coleman medallist on their team, having a target like Charlie Curnow inside 50 strikes fear into opposing sides and provides a bail-out option against potent defensive schemes.
While they don't dominate the game like they used to, when forward 50s were cleared out to allow unstoppable one-on-one matchups, teams still require a target to take marks, hit the scoreboard, provide a contest and work up the ground.
The position is more demanding than ever and in higher demand than ever, evidenced by the lucrative deals and offers that accompany most primary options in the league.
This list ranks the best key forwards ahead of 2025, starting with those who just missed the top 10.
Snubs:
- Taylor Walker
- Max King
- Aaron Naughton
- Kyle Langford
- Darcy Fogarty
- Brody Mihocek
- Oliver Henry
- Peter Wright
1. Jesse Hogan
Hogan is one of the biggest risers from last year's list and clearly one of the most improved players in the competition, leaping from a personal best 49 goals in 2023 to a whopping 77-goal tally in 2024.
He emerged as the most dominant key forward in the game and by some margin, controlling aerial contests, unique skill and strength typically in one-on-one matchups.
His statistical rankings were absurd this season, topping the league for all of contested marks per game, marks inside 50 per game, total goals, goals per game, total contested marks and total marks inside 50.
He may only need a quarter to completely rip a game apart, clearing out the forward 50 and having the ball sat on his head so he can manoeuvre his opponent and kick goals on end, booting bags of five or more on numerous occasions and in big games.
GWS' semi-final loss to Brisbane was made all the more thrilling by Hogan's five-goal performance, almost single-handedly keeping the game out of the Lions' reach before their astonishing comeback.
