AFL list analysis: Mick McGuane rates every team’s forward line from 1-18

Collingwood legend Mick McGuane analyses the forward line of every AFL team as has identified big issues with the Magpies' attack. Check out where your team sits. 

Jeremy Cameron will join the No.1 forward line at Geelong, says Collingwood premiership player Mick McGuane.

The two-time All-Australian and 2019 Coleman Medal winner made the move from GWS to the Cats in the exchange period and McGuane says it will add more firepower to the forward line he rates as the best in the AFL.

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McGuane took into account forwards who can win crucial one v one contests, their conversion, forward-50 pressure, whether there was an even spread of goalkickers and how they fare when the ball hits the ground in rating which side has the best attack in the competition.

The ability of forwards to create space and separation, such as Geelong with “Hawkins Island” and their participation in score involvements also went into the rankings.

Do you agree with McGuane’s rankings? Cast your vote below.

RELATED: McGUANE RATES EVERY AFL MIDFIELD FROM 1-18

MORE: WHICH TEAM HAS THE BEST DEFENCE IN THE AFL?

1. Geelong

The top liners: Jeremy Cameron (17, 72), Tom Hawkins (21, 106), Gary Rohan (19, 71), Luke Dahlhaus (16, 69), Gryan Miers (21, 71), Esava Ratugolea (12, 69), Sam Simpson (9, 74)

The top-ups: Tom Atkins (12, 56), Brad Close (8, 54)

McGuane says: The Cats are highly efficient. They are the best team at scoring per inside-50s so that explains how efficient they are as a group. They are the best team for forward-50 marks. They get a lot of isolation and separation to accept those mids to forwards advantage kicks. They are the No.1 forward-half pressure team in the comp, so players like Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Atkins and even key forward Tom Hawkins apply intense pressure to keep the ball locked in there. To give weight to all of that, they were the best attacking team in the competition in 2020. Hawkins had the most uncontested F50 marks (54) and the third-most overall as he was either able to get separation from his defender or be isolated. He was a real focal point. Patrick Dangerfield when asked to play forward provided another avenue to goal. His assault on the footy creates headaches for any type of defender and opportunities stem from his presence.

2. Richmond

The top liners: Tom Lynch (19, 70), Jack Riewoldt (21, 62), Jason Castagna (21, 63), Kane Lambert (20, 82), Daniel Rioli (18, 66)

The top-ups: Jake Aarts (14, 60)

McGuane says: Forward lines that have multiple avenues to goal, and forwards who mark the footy like Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt, will always present challenges for opposition defenders. Lynch took the second-most contested marks in the competition this year and Riewoldt took the fifth-most, so they were the competitions “twin towers.” In tandem, they kicked 56 goals between them — Lynch returned 28.20 and 28.15 for Riewoldt. Their conversion was good. But the Tigers also had other avenues to hit the scoreboard. Jason Castagna, for example, is a small forward who applies great pressure and keeps opponents — and sometimes teammates — guessing. Dustin Martin is the best “moments” player in the competition. Things just happen when he rests forward. Dusty forces panic. Kane Lambert and Jake Aarts play significant roles in that part of the ground. The Tigers are quick over the ground, but also quick to transition from an attacking mindset to a defensive one. Good forward lines must have this mentality. It helps your defensive structure stay aggressive and assertive. Applying great pressure also helps your team to play a forward-half game. They are ranked No.1 for time in forward-half differential.

3. Port Adelaide

The top liners: Charlie Dixon (18, 88), Robbie Gray (19, 90), Zak Butters (17, 86), Connor Rozee (16, 71), Todd Marshall (14, 64), Steven Motlop (14, 61), Orazio Fantasia (5, 57),

The top-ups: Mitch Georgiades (7, 59), Boyd Woodcock (5, 55), Dylan Williams (0,0)

McGuane says: Charlie Dixon is a powerful presence. He draws the footy and gives the team some predictability. He straightens the team up as he is not scared to lead straight up the ground. If he drops a mark, players like opportunistic forwards Zak Butters or Robbie Gray can run the correct crumbing patterns to swoop on any F50 ground balls. Dixon has support in the air with Peter Ladhams, Todd Marshall, and the exciting Mitch Georgiades. They are ranked second when it comes to time in forward half. Their forward-half pressure game is where Ken Hinkley would want it. One aspect they can get better at is more uncontested marks in their forward 50, they haven’t got a player in the top 25 for F50 uncontested marks — so that says they are a team that likes to get it in deep and then come in behind their attack to lock the ball in. If they can get more “hit ups” with their ball use it would keep opposition defenders more honest. This way they will be less reliant on Dixon, who took the most contested F50 marks in the competition with 25.

4. West Coast

The top liners: Liam Ryan (18, 78), Jack Darling (18, 82), Josh Kennedy (17, 66), Oscar Allen (15, 77), Jamie Cripps (14, 73), Jake Waterman (10, 59), Brendon Ah Chee (16, 57), Zac Langdon (7, 43)

The top-ups: Jack Petruccelle (6, 35), Jarrod Cameron (5, 29), Nic Reid (3, 37), Jamaine Jones (2, 48)

McGuane says: Any group that has Josh Kennedy, Liam Ryan, Jack Darling, Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman and Jamie Cripps complimented by a resting midfielder like Luke Shuey or an Elliot Yeo is always a threat. This group has played a lot together. They understand each other’s leading patterns. Ryan is quickly becoming a crowd favourite. He is a “jumper” at the footy and brings excitement when the ball approaches his area. The other important aspect is that when they do win the ball they are in high-percentage areas to hit the scoreboard. They are a forward line that gives themselves every opportunity to convert from marking situations. The Eagles kicked 91.45 from marks this year and from set shots returned 118.59. Their conversion says a lot about where they win the footy in their F50. The players have an understanding of where the space is, but are really selfless knowing another teammate owns that space, so they refrain from going into it. There is nothing worse seeing 2-3 players from the same forward line going to the same space and jumping for the footy. All they do is create a pack and invariably make it easy for the defenders. Dumb players do that. Spatial awareness is a crucial element of successful forward lines.

5. Brisbane Lions

The top liners: Joe Daniher (4, 50), Charlie Cameron (19, 73), Daniel McStay (17, 58), Lincoln McCarthy (17, 69), Cam Rayner (17, 72), Eric Hipwood (19, 70), Nakia Cockatoo (0,0)

The top-ups: Thomas Berry (6, 44), Keidean Coleman (5, 54), Connor Ballenden (2, 34), Tom Fullarton (2, 30)

McGuane says: The Lions are evolving as a forward group. Eric Hipwood used to be all duck no dinner. Was he fit enough? Could he be trusted? Did he compete hard enough? He would take a great mark, but you couldn’t trust his feet to kick a goal that mattered. This year he improved his shots at goal and he took 13 contested and 18 uncontested F50 marks. He now has a good balance between when he needs to launch at a high ball or get separation from his opponent by doing his work early. He has good speed, so he wins some uncontested marks up the ground. Charlie Cameron gives them a different dimension. He is electric and quick. He took 22 uncontested F50 marks as a forward. They isolated him because he was a threat and hard to match up on close to goal. And he went back and kicked 28.22, which is a great return for someone of his size. Others in that part of the ground the are integral to its functionality are Daniel McStay, Dayne Zorko, Lincoln McCarthy and Cam Rayner. Rayner is getting fitter and stronger. He is a powerful athlete. He looks menacing when the ball comes to his area. Jarrod Berry provides grunt and hardness as well. With the inclusions of Joe Daniher and Nakia Cockatoo, especially if they can get their bodies right, the Lions are going to have a very dangerous forward seven or eight players that will challenge most defences.

6. St Kilda

The top liners: Dan Butler (19, 77), Jack Higgins (10, 78), Tim Membrey (18, 70), Max King (61), Dean Kent (15, 59), Jack Lonie (13, 64), Josh Battle (14, 68), Shaun McKernan (9, 46)

The top-ups: –

McGuane says: The Saints are tracking in the right direction in the forward part of the ground. Max King is an exciting player. I admire players that run and launch at the footy and he fits that criteria. It takes courage to leave the ground and jump at the footy at its highest point and King and Tim Membrey are two players who do that. Rowan Marshall, as much as he is a relief ruckman, is also a forward that can really trouble opposition defences. Brett Ratten has three prominent “talls” at his disposal, but also a band of small/hybrid forwards that will cause concerns for whoever they come up against. Dan Butler, who was in All-Australian discussion this year, pressure forward Dean Kent, small creative forwards in Jack Lonie, Jack Sinclair and now new Saint Jack Higgins all have the capabilities of hitting the scoreboard or creating scoring opportunities for others. Josh Battle can also play that third or fourth tall. He is a beautiful kick at goal. Their mix is pretty impressive and under Ratten their scoring will continue to increase. In 2020 the positive was once they got it in there they were efficient. They ranked fifth for scores per inside 50 and fifth for F50 marks. So their forwards worked in sync and had sound synergy. The area for improvement is their forward-half pressure factor, they ranked 12th in the competition.

7. Western Bulldogs

The top liners: Mitch Wallis (18, 69), Josh Bruce (17, 51), Aaron Naughton (12, 60), Mitch Hannan (9, 53), Bailey Dale (9, 56), Sam Lloyd (9, 54), Laitham Vandermeer (12, 52), Toby McLean (12, 68)

The top-ups: Rhylee West (4, 57), Lewis Young (1, -3), Cody Weightman (3, 34), Josh Schache (2, 39), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (0, 0)

McGuane says: It’s fair to say the Dogs don’t have too many household names up forward but Aaron Naughton can become an influential forward in the competition. I firmly believe he is a better defender than he is a forward, but based on current personnel, Luke Beveridge needs him to become the No.1 forward. The Bulldogs recruited Josh Bruce to provide support. The duo have played only 11 games together, so there’s obvious upside. With ruckman Stef Martin coming to the club it might allow Tim English to spend more time forward. He is an aerial threat in that part of the ground. Playing three talls in front of the footy is something Beveridge will look at as long as it doesn’t compromise their F50 pressure. Marcus Bontempelli can go forward and add some real smarts and class. The “talls” can be complimented by Bailey Dale who can kick goals and Mitch Wallis, who had a fantastic 2020. He is a team-first player. He took 19 uncontested F50 marks, kicked 24.12, and always applied great pressure. Their forward-half pressure was ranked eighth in the competition, they had the fourth-most F50 marks this year, and they were efficient, ranking sixth for scores per inside 50. They were also ranked sixth for time in forward-half differential. So full credit to the Dogs, without the big names, their forwards did a magnificent job as a unit.

8. Melbourne

The top liners: Ben Brown (9, 48), Sam Weideman (13, 57), Kysaiah Pickett (14, 48), Jake Melksham (17, 55), Bayley Fritsch (16, 67), Tom McDonald (9, 60), Alex Neal-Bullen (7, 58), Luke Jackson (6, 57)

The top-ups: Jayden Hunt (6, 49), Toby Bedford (2, 26), Mitch Brown (5, 52), Charlie Spargo (8, 55)

McGuane says: There’s clearly some upside with Melbourne’s forward group. Sam Weideman took some quantum leaps forward as a deep forward/key forward in 2020. Tom McDonald was disappointing, but they might look at him playing back and if that is the case it will give an opportunity to Luke Jackson (who played six games). He will become another key forward/relief ruckman to help out Max Gawn. The Demons’’ hybrid forwards in Bailey Fritsch and Jake Melksham posed threats for opposition defences on occasions. Their small forward in Kysaiah Pickett is quick and tough. The more he plays the more confident in his goalkicking he will become. He is not there yet. With recruit Ben Brown coming to work with Weideman and Jackson it might allow McDonald play as a defender and get some much-needed confidence back. Their intent to keep the footy in their F50 was positive as they ranked eighth for time in forward-half differential. Their scoring was OK, they were eighth for points scored. Surprisingly, the Demons were ranked sixth for inside-50 marks, so the work that Simon Goodwin is doing with their mids to forwards connections is starting to reap rewards. The big area of improvement is to apply more forward-half pressure, not just inside their forward 50 but in the forward half of the ground. You want the game played on your terms and the best way to get that is to lock it in your forward half. More effort and intent is required.

9. Carlton

The top liners: Harry McKay (13, 59), Jack Martin (15, 83), Eddie Betts (15, 58), Charlie Curnow (0,0), Zac Fisher (8, 74), David Cuningham (12, 63), Levi Casboult (17, 65), Michael Gibbons (15, 75), Jack Newnes (17, 75), Mitch McGovern (12, 53), Lachie Fogarty (6, 66)

The top-ups: Jack Silvagni (3, 35), Sam Philip (2, 45), Josh Honey (1, 16), Matthew Owies (1, 15)

McGuane says: The Blues are an emerging group of forwards who haven’t played a lot of footy together. They didn’t have their best forward at all this year in Charlie Curnow. Hopefully they can get him right in 2021. Harry McKay took some positive steps as a big forward. His mobility and speed is an asset. Levi Casboult provided great support. Mitch McGovern has been a disappointment and has not lived up to expectations since he was recruited from Adelaide. He just needs to get fit and must be challenged and coached strongly by David Teague. Carlton fans are expecting more from him. Jack Martin’s first year at the club was a positive one. He can play as a conduit between defence and attack. Zac Fisher is busy and creative. He is small of stature but big of heart. Teague must give David Cuningham more opportunities, but he needs to take ownership of his role. How many games does Eddie Betts play next year? His forward nous can never be questioned but has he stayed on one year too long? I just hope he doesn’t compromise the development of a younger player because they couldn’t make a hard call on ending his magnificent career this year. Teague has done a really good job in bringing scoring and enjoyment back into the team. Two or three years ago, Carlton struggled to score, but now they are in the top half of the competition for scoring and that is on the back of the development of these players. It will be really interesting to see their growth with another summer under their belt and the return of Curnow.

10. Gold Coast

The top liners: Ben King (17, 56), Izak Rankine (12, 70), Sam Day (56), Ben Ainsworth (16, 76), Alex Sexton (14, 62), Darcy Macpherson (12, 58), Nick Holman (12, 62), Josh Corbett (7, 51)

The top-ups: Sean Lemmens (6, 47), Sam Flanders (5, 36), Jy Farrar (1, 49)

McGuane says: The Suns have some A-Grade talent in Ben King and Izak Rankine. Sam Day just competes every time he wears the guernsey. Ben Ainsworth gives them hardness, Alex Sexton is a goalkicker and knows how to make the most of his chances. Darcy McPherson is an opportunistic forward who brings a hard edge to their F50 pressure. Sean Lemmens can be in their best six or seven forwards if he gets a fair crack at it. The Gold Coast forward line is evolving and they have some real upside going forward. Like his brother at St Kilda, King can launch at the footy, he is exciting, athletic and agile for one so tall. As this group of players continue to play together they will get to understand the machinations of good forward craft. They were ranked 17th for marks in their forward 50. For the talent they have, that’s not good enough. Stuart Dew has to figure out, is it poor kicking inside F50 or are the forwards leading to the wrong areas so the mids can’t simplify the kick coming in? Also, as forwards are they all working back to goal rather than working towards the ball carrier to create that vacuum of space for others to come in behind? These are questions that need answers because they have the talent to be better from a scoring perspective.

11. GWS Giants

The top liners: Toby Greene (13, 84), Brent Daniels (16, 66), Jake Riccardi (5, 70), Harry Himmelberg (16, 66), Jeremy Finlayson (15, 65), Jesse Hogan (7, 58), Daniel Lloyd (12, 62)

The top-ups: Bobby Hill (5, 60), Tom Hutchesson (1, 37)

McGuane says: This year the Giants were a bit of an enigma. They were the fourth-best team for scores per inside 50 percentage, so as much as they were playing a slow build-up, possession ball movement game which would have frustrated their forwards, they still were able to get good returns once the ball got in there. They had some real talent in Jeremy Cameron and Toby Greene, these boys clearly know how to get the job done as forwards, but it wasn’t enough. Their system that let them down on two fronts. Firstly, their ball movement from D50 to F50 was far too slow. They lost their instinct and flair. It looked like it was coached out of them. Secondly, the Giants defenders didn’t know whether to squeeze the ground or retreat. It was like the defenders didn’t trust their forwards to provide the pressure needed so the ball doesn’t come out of the F50 easily. This is why they were ranked 17th for time spent in forward half. The team wasn’t on the same page. Their forward-half pressure was ranked 13th, in the bottom third of the competition. Harry Himmelberg and Jeremy Finlayson both had disappointing years considering the talent they possess. Jake Riccardi was a positive. He is new to the AFL landscape and influenced some games. On the back of losing Cameron to Geelong, the Giants have a big hole to fill and that’s why they went out and got Jesse Hogan, who is going to be the No.1 forward in this team. I hope the penny drops for Hogan as this will be his last chance to justify the talent he has.

12. Hawthorn

The top liners: Chad Wingard (17, 84), Jack Gunston (16, 82), Luke Bruest (13, 81), Tim O’Brien (16, 55), Mitch Lewis (8, 37), Shaun Burgoyne (13, 71), Jon Patton (6, 35)

The top-ups: Jarman Impey (5, 40), Josh Morris (4, 27), Dylan Moore (3, 70), Oliver Hanrahan (7, 44)

McGuane says: The Hawks have lost some incredibly gifted forwards over the past 6-7 years, namely Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli. Now it’s time for players like Tim O’Brien and Mitch Lewis to step up and show the footy world that they can play as tall forwards in this difficult competition. They need to in order to compliment the experienced and trustworthy performers in Jack Gunston, Chad Wingard and Luke Bruest. Shaun Burgoyne can also play a cameo role up forward as he understands space and when he wins possession he is so creative he brings others into the game. They have the nucleus of some improvement in 2021, but it comes down to the mids to forwards connection. This year was frustrating watching so many simple kicks missing their intended target. The other area for improvement is once they win the ball in their forward 50, can they convert their opportunities? That’s what Alastair Clarkson has to find out. We as an industry are not hard enough on those that miss simple shots at goal. As a forward it’s your job to convert. In some cases it’s mind over matter. Some players allow the pressure of the occasion to get to them. In others it’s a poor routine or a bad kicking technique. And with the retirement of Paul Puopolo, who wants to take the mantle of being their pressure forward king? Poppy made a career out of it. Clarkson must put the acid on Jarman Impey to assume that role. He tackles to hurt and when fit and healthy he chases with intent, which is important because their pressure in their forward line this year wasn’t anywhere near where it should have been.

13. Collingwood

The top liners: Jamie Elliott (18, 67), Brody Mihocek (18, 70), Jordan De Goey (10, 78), Josh Thomas (14, 57), Callum Brown (14, 65), Will Hoskin-Elliott (18, 61), Mason Cox (11, 56)

The top-ups: Will Kelly (1, 36), Trey Ruscoe (4, 39), Max Lynch (1, 22)

McGuane says: Jordan De Goey is the Pies’ forward-50 barometer. He is a matchwinner. He is hard to match up on due to his explosive power out of the goalsquare and when he involves himself at F50 stoppages. He doesn’t need many disposals to influence games, but, in saying that, he has much more to offer. Jamie Elliott, even though not tall, plays more like a marking forward rather than a ground level player. He knows where the goals are, but he must stay involved in games for longer. Brodie Mihochek is tough and competitive with a great work rate. The forward line functions better when he is playing well. Is Mason Cox consistent enough? Why can’t he replicate his brilliant first quarter heroics in the elimination final against West Coast this year, or get close to his 2018 preliminary final performance against Richmond when he was Wayne Carey-like? He is approaching 30 years of age and Collingwood’s forward line needs him to consistently reach those heights. Are Will Hoskin-Elliott, Callum Brown and Josh Thomas in the best team going forward? Will Kelly made his debut against GWS this year and is a player of the future. The Magpies ranked fifth for inside-50 differential so it’s not as if the forwards didn’t get enough supply in most games, but for points scored they ranked 13th. As much as they have the talent at their disposal, their chemistry, synergy and efficiency needs drastic improvement.

14. Essendon

T he top liners: Kyle Langford (16, 81), David Zaharakis (10, 65), Peter Wright (0,0), James Stewart (10, 55), Jake Stringer (10, 53), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (17, 69), Will Snelling (17, 69)

The top-ups: Jayden Laverde (6, 58), Irving Mosquito (4, 55), Ned Cahill (3, 30), Nick Hind (10, 62)

McGuane says: Most of the year this year they had no Orazio Fantasia or Joe Daniher. They are two players that make things happen. Too much was left to Shaun McKernan, James Stewart and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti. Kyle Langford made some progress, Jake Stringer played only 10 games this year but when he is fit the Bombers forward line looks far more potent. So the question for the Bombers moving forward with the recruitment of Peter Wright is, can they get better? They’ve lost some big names and certainly have to do some work on locking the ball in when it comes in to their forward line. Tippa is the only forward that wants to win the ball back through a fierce desire to chase down an opponent. Essendon’s forward-half pressure factor was 16th in the comp this year. That’s not good enough. The Bombers also don’t have enough players who can mark the footy to place pressure on the opposition defence. The Bombers ranked 14th for scores per inside 50. They were also 14th for points scored. Even though they won four of their first five games this year, their highest score in those games was 12.7 against Sydney. Ben Rutten needs to change his attacking philosophy and become less structured with their ball movement. Getting forwards to compete is a priority.

15. Sydney

The top liners: Tom Papley (17, 79), Will Hayward (16, 60), Isaac Heeney (6, 95), Nick Blakey (16, 59), Lewis Taylor (9, 50), Sam Reid (10, 62)

The top-ups: Sam Gray (7, 51), Ben Ronke (3, 57), James Bell (8, 50), Hayden McLean (6, 60), Sam Wicks (7, 59)

McGuane says: Their 2020 season was more about who didn’t play — Lance Franklin (0 games) and Isaac Heeney (six) are big holes to fill. Nick Blakey started the year as mobile tall forward but by seasons end he’d moved into the midfield with great success. Sam Reid is a terrific mark, but does he justify the pay packet he is on? He is not consistent and doesn’t influence enough games as a forward. When you are asking your small forward Tom Papley to be your leading goalkicker and also to take the most uncontested marks in your F50, it just shows how devoid of personnel the Swans were in front of the ball. Papley had a great season, taking 22 uncontested F50 marks and kicking 26.27 for the year. Will Hayward is talented but must work on his goalkicking. He injects speed into the forward line and has great courage when approaches a marking contest. The Swans always give great effort but for their forward line to improve, the class and brilliance of Franklin and Heeney must return.

16. Fremantle

The top liners: Michael Walters (14, 99), Lachie Schultz (17, 55), Matt Taberner (16, 75), Brett Bewley (12, 73), Travis Colyer (9, 52), Mitch Crowden (10, 55)

The top-ups: Sam Sturt (3, 62), Liam Henry (3, 34), Bailey Banfield (5, 59), Michael Frederick (10, 33)

McGuane says: Justin Longmuir’s decision to play the Dockers’ best midfielder Nat Fyfe forward more this year said a lot about his concerns with his forward line. The Fyfe call was timely, but it shouldn’t be permanent. Jesse Hogan was a frustration both on and off the field and that’s why he’s no longer on their list. Matt Taberner was rightfully in the All-Australian discussion. He had a fantastic year, taking 20 contested F50 marks (fourth-most in the competition) and kicking 29.13, but he needs assistance. Taberner also improved his goalkicking. Fyfe, not dissimilar to Dangerfield, provides a physical presence when forward and he complimented Taberner and Michael Walters. Walters is a star. He gives the Fremantle forward line a touch of class, creativity and finishing ability. Longmuir’s biggest challenge next year will be getting the right balance of how much time Fyfe and Walters spend forward as opposed to helping out their young midfield group. Lobb plays forward/relief ruck but as good as he marks the footy, he only kicked 10.6 from the marks he took in there. If he can kick 20-25 goals the Dockers will be become more threatening in this important area of the ground.

17. North Melbourne

The top liners: Jaidyn Stephenson (14, 62), Jack Ziebell (8, 47), Cameron Zurhaar (16, 63), Aaron Hall (15, 72), Tarryn Thomas (6, 54), Nick Larkey (10, 48), Curtis Taylor (9, 59)

The top-ups: Atu Bosenavulagi (3, 32), Taylor Garner (2, 45), Jack Mahony (10, 51), Tom Campbell (1, 35)

McGuane says: In fairness, the Kangaroos had a lot of players unavailable this year through injury that disrupted the continuity of playing together as a team within the team. Captain Jack Ziebell played just eight games, Curtis Taylor nine, Taylor Garner two, and Tarryn Thomas six, and there’s an argument they are all a part of their best forward line. Ben Brown, now a Demon, was missing for just on 50 per cent of the year. This put a lot of pressure on guys like Cam Zurhaar, Nick Larkey and Tristan Xerri to perform at a high level. Aaron Hall has been given plenty of opportunity to survive at a second AFL club – is he the answer? They were disappointing as a team when it came to scoring (ranked 17th for points for), but their forward line just didn’t get enough opportunities A positive was their F50 pressure, ranking fifth in the competition. David Noble must get forwards to focus on creating more opportunities to hit the scoreboard through winning their own footy in the forward line. Tony Lockett, Jason Dunstall, Gary Ablett Sr, Wayne Carey, Matthew Pavlich, Jonathan Brown and Nick Riewoldt all had the capacity to win their own footy. Right now, who is that player at North Melbourne?

18. Adelaide

The top-liners: Taylor Walker (14, 56), Shane McAdam (13, 66), Tom Lynch (13, 76), Darcy Fogarty (10, 54), Tyson Stengle (12, 57), Lachlan Murphy (12, 61), Elliott Himmelberg (11, 67)

The top-ups: Billy Frampton (5, 53), Ned McHenry (8, 59), Ben Davis (1, 50)

McGuane says: As good as the Crows were when it came to efficiency (ranked 10th), there wasn’t much more to rave about. Their profile reads like this — they ranked 18th for F50 marks, total points scored, F50 pressure, and inside-50 differential. There are a combination of factors why they are so poor in the above areas. An evolving list, new roles given to some players and bringing young players into the team. Taylor Walker has been a fantastic servant for the Crows, but now is the time for others to step up. Shane McAdam goes for marks. He is aggressive in the air. He wants to mark the footy. Other teammates need to take a leaf out of his book. Darcy Fogarty is talented, but does he want to be an AFL footballer? Is he fit enough to survive as an AFL footballer? Until he consistently performs these questions will remain. Tyson Stengle has a bit of trickery about him. But does he do it consistently enough? Has he the discipline to become a trustworthy teammate? Elliott Himmelberg will emerge as a key forward. His last four or five games indicated he has the talent that you’d pay money to watch. With him you know what you are going to get. It’s not all doom and gloom for Crows fans.

Originally published as AFL list analysis: Mick McGuane rates every team’s forward line from 1-18