Dream Team: The best pressure forwards in the AFL
Their value is measured more than goals. Pressure forwards have become a vital component of today’s game and no defender is ever safe in the presence. Vote for your best player.
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They are the men who ensure opponents never get an easy option out of the back half.
Thirty years ago their job was to kick goals, today they must add fanatical forward-half pressure to their CV.
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PRESSURE FORWARDS
PAUL PUOPOLO (Hawthorn)
“Poppy” has been as good as any in this role for a decade.
SuperCoach Price: $346,600; 2019 SC average: 64
Champion Data says: Puopolo was the only general forward to rate elite for forward 50 ground ball-gets, forward half pressure points and tackles last season.
ANTHONY McDONALD-TIPUNGWUTI (Essendon)
Is there a better story in the game than “Walla”?
SuperCoach Price: $409,500; 2019 SC average: 74
Champion Data says: McDonald-Tipungwuti was the only general forward to rate elite for score assists, forward half pressure points and tackles last season.
LUKE DAHLHAUS (Geelong)
Has mastered the art of frenetic forward pressure.
SuperCoach Price: $462,400; 2019 SC average: 82
Champion Data says: Dahlhaus was one of three general forwards to rate elite for forward 50 ground ball-gets and tackles last season.
CALLUM BROWN (Collingwood)
Like his father Gavin, a quiet but extremely effective achiever.
SuperCoach Price: $370,900; 2019 SC average: 66
Champion Data says: Brown rated elite for forward half pressure points and above average for disposals and forward 50 ground ball-gets last season.
TOM ATKINS (Geelong)
A mature-aged player who created a career by perfecting a role.
SuperCoach Price: $327,200; 2019 SC average: 61
Champion Data says: Atkins rated elite for tackles and above average for contested possessions and forward half pressure points last season.
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