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:

3. Jeremy Cameron

While he's not the best player in the competition anymore - as was widely agreed on following 2022 - Cameron put together another All-Australian campaign and showed glimpses of 'best in the comp' material for much of the season, including his nine-goal haul in Round 24 against West Coast.

He's not just a key forward, but he still booted 64 goals for the season - just one shy of his 2022 tally in the same amount of games.

His impact further up the ground seems to increase every season however, this year averaging a career-high 16.3 disposals while also setting personal bests for clearances and rebound 50s.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15:ย Jeremy Cameronย of the Cats looks on during the 2023 AFL Round 18 match between theย Geelong Catsย and theย Essendon Bombersย at GMHBA Stadium on July 15, 2023 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

He polled 16 Brownlow votes and kicked one of the best finals goals in recent memory during Geelong's qualifying final trouncing of Port Adelaide, displaying his typical knack for the miraculous in September.

Approaching 32 at the start of next season, hopefully we're in for a couple more seasons of vintage 'Jezza'.