KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach forwards

Most of last year’s topscoring SuperCoach forwards are gone, but there are some big-name replacements — plus a long list of potential bargains. Here are our top picks.

KFC SuperCoach players are starting with a clean slate when it comes to picking a forward line in 2020.

Of the topscorers in this part of the ground last year, nine of the top 10 are not available as forwards this season.

Former dual-position players Patrick Dangerfield, Josh Dunkley, Travis Boak and Tim Kelly are all midfield-only this year, Rowan Marshall is a ruckman and Caleb Daniel is a defender. The one survivor is Docker Michael Walters, who is a MID/FWD again.

So how do we fill the six on-field and two bench spots?

Position assignments for 2020 aren’t all bad, with two huge forward DPP gifts and a good batch of potential bargains. Here’s our quick take on this year’s forward stocks.

HIGH ROLLERS

Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $604,100 FWD/MID

New DPP classification from Champion Data makes him a must-have given his elite scoring. Only worry is an occasionally fragile body.

Lachie Whitfield dominates wherever he plays. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Michael Walters (Frem) $547,200 FWD/MID

Has always had a spectacular highlights reel, last year he added consistency to his bag of tricks to average over 100 for the first time. Could benefit from a more attacking game plan under Justin Longmuir.

Dustin Martin (Rich) $543,000

Dusty’s SuperCoach average (100) isn’t high as you might think but you want to be on board when he scores 150. Being able to select him as a forward means he’s a no-brainer.

Dustin Martin is a popular man.

Isaac Heeney is in good shape heading into 2020.

Isaac Heeney (Syd) $510,700 FWD/MID

The SuperCoach community has been waiting for several seasons for Heeney to turn his massive talent into regular big scores. Is this the year? Breaking his thumb at training this week isn’t a great start.

BARGAIN BUYS

Lance Franklin (Syd) $394,200

Is it time to jump back on the Buddy rollercoaster? He hasn’t been this cheap for a decade and was flying on the track before suffering an injury setback. Fun to barrack for, but he needs to be fit for Round 1 to consider.

MORE SUPERCOACH FAST FORMGUIDES:

KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach midfielders

KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach defenders

KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach rucks

Jack Steven (Geel) $361,700 FWD/MID

If Jack is happy and loving footy again, that price is too cheap to ignore. Can score with the best midfielders on his day, and we can pick him as a forward.

Devon Smith in the gym during Essendon’s pre-season camp at Coffs Harbour.

Devon Smith (Ess) $335,800 FWD/MID

Forgotten Bomber started last year priced at $531,000 and should get back to that level after injury wrecked his 2019 season. Was one of the smartest forward line picks in 2018, can he make it two out of three?

Hugh Greenwood (GC) $463,100 FWD/MID

Was remarkably consistent in his three seasons at the Crows, producing averages of 85, 86 and 85. That was playing mostly forward. He’s likely to be a permanent fixture in the Suns midfield. Expect a spike.

MORE SUPERCOACH ANALYSIS:

Whitfield and Martin are must-haves, but who else should make your SuperCoach forward line?

The best bargain buys of KFC SuperCoach 2020

Seven players you will need in your SuperCoach team this year

KFC SuperCoach no-go zone: The tempting players you shouldn’t pick in 2020

ROOKIES

Izak Rankine (GC) $123,900

One of the best rookie picks of 2020, Rankine didn’t play a game in his first AFL season after hurting his hamstring in a pre-season game. But the top-ranked player from the 2018 under-18 championships (average 120 points a game) will be a key to the Suns’ plans in 2020.

Aiden Bonar (NM) $202,800 FWD/MID

Tough but talented young midfielder made the move from GWS in search of more opportunities. If he gets them he could be a DPP steal.

Aiden Bonar is keen to make his mark at North Melbourne.

Sam Flanders (GC) $162,300

Was touted as a possible top-five draft pick but slid to No.11. An explosive ball-winner with a long kick, he should get games early.

MORE SUPERCOACH TIPS:

KFC SuperCoach expert Al Paton reveals his 2020 team

The case for and against three KFC SuperCoach breakout contenders

10 SuperCoach champions available for the lowest price in years

Golden rules: The 23 do’s and don’ts of KFC SuperCoach AFL

Nakia Cockatoo (Geel) $148,200 FWD/MID

Can we trust the Cats’ excitement machine? Injuries have restricted him to 33 games in five years since being recruited with pick 10 in the 2014 draft. Has talent to burn but will be a risky selection even if he makes it to Round 1.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach forwards