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
7. Oscar Allen
The West Coast skipper endured a rusty return from injury in 2024, gradually returning to the expected level in the backend of the season, with the Eagles' season already over.
His match-winning performance in their stunning five-point victory over North Melbourne, while in a dead rubber, was a thrilling reminder of what Allen's best has looked like so far in his career, with the clear potential to rise into one of the league's premier key forwards.
53 goals in 2023 for one of the worst teams in recent memory was a notable achievement and with the club seeking early improvements under new senior coach Andrew McQualter, hopefully Allen will thrive with a fresh start.
Alongside Jake Waterman in the same forward line, West Coast should boast one of the best key forward duos in the competition and expect to thrive on some tall target firepower in 2025.
