Mick McGuane ranks and reviews every AFL club’s forward line for the 2022 season
They get paid the big bucks to deliver on the big stage. But who isn’t fitting the bill? Read Mick McGuane’s forward line rankings for 2022.
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They earn the big bucks and kick the goals.
The forward line is there to finish off the good work of the rest of the team up the ground, but some groups do that far better than others.
In ranking the top forward lines in the AFL, I took into account forwards who can win crucial one-on-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.
The ability of forwards to create space and separation and their participation in score involvements also went into the rankings.
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1. MELBOURNE
The top-liners: Tom McDonald (20 Games in 2021, 86 Average SuperCoach Score), Alex Neal-Bullen (22, 73), Ben Brown (10, 70), Kysaiah Pickett (22, 68), Bayley Fritsch (21, 68), Charlie Spargo (22, 59), Jake Melksham (10, 52), Tom Sparrow (13, 48)
The top-ups: Sam Weideman (5, 41), Mitch Brown (1, 77), Kade Chandler (1, 7), Toby Bedford (0, 0), Bailey Laurie (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
The reigning premiers’ attack was clearly brilliant last year. My question is, can they replicate that after ranking second for both scores per inside 50 and inside 50 marks? And will the hunger still be there to be one of the better forward 50 pressure teams in the competition? It will all come down to attitude. We know the supply will remain high through Melbourne’s midfield dominance. The talent is there in attack with the likes of Bailey Frisch, Kysaiah Pickett, Tom McDonald, Ben Brown, Charlie Spargo and a bit of Christian Petracca floating forward. But can they back it up? Can Fritsch kick 59 goals — or more — again? Don’t underestimate the role Alex Neale-Bullen plays as a high half-forward who helps the midfield structure and connects the forward line. Time will tell if Sam Weideman can finally deliver and play an integral role in this diverse attack. And let’s not forget about Luke Jackson. The Demons’ hierarchy should be locking him away for the next five years before significant offers come from the West.
2. WESTERN BULLDOGS
The top-liners: Aaron Naughton (21 Games in 2021, 71 Average SuperCoach Score), Josh Bruce (20, 67), Cody Weightman (13, 64), Jason Johannisen (20, 56), Anthony Scott (18, 51), Mitch Hannan (13, 51), Laitham Vandermeer (7, 48), Lachlan McNeil (11, 47)
The top-ups: Riley Garcia (9, 50), Mitch Wallis (6, 46), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (5, 47), Toby McLean (3, 65), Rhylee West (2, 8), Dominic Bedendo (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Aaron Naughton is a serious talent. But we will find out a bit about him this year and whether he can consistently handle being the main man inside 50 without the injured Josh Bruce. Naughton took the second-most forward 50 marks behind Carlton’s Harry McKay last year and the fifth-highest uncontested marks, given the great separation he is able to get from defenders on the lead. The challenge for coach Luke Beveridge will be to find a second marking target to Naughton. Opportunity will be there for Josh Schache and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to step up and they must put their names in the frame at selection. But Richmond went all the way in 2017 with Jack Riewoldt as the only key target, so it can be done without a second tall. Marcus Bontempelli is the X-Factor and had a much greater scoreboard impact last year. When he gets tagged, it’s a great opportunity for him to slide forward. His versatility makes him such a valuable commodity for the Bulldogs.
3. GEELONG
The top-liners: Tom Hawkins (22 Games in 2021, 94 Average SuperCoach Score), Jeremy Cameron (12, 81), Shaun Higgins (15, 79), Gary Rohan (18, 69), Brad Close (19, 65), Gryan Miers (12, 62), Luke Dahlhaus (20, 59)
The top-ups: Sam Simpson (3, 60), Francis Evans (2, 28), Shannon Neale (0, 0), Tyson Stengle (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
The Cats have two of the best natural forwards in the competition with Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron. After a second pre-season training together, we should see even greater synergy and cohesion than last year between the dynamic duo. They both understand space and separation really well and that allows one or the other to get a lick of the ice cream. Gary Rohan was again rightfully criticised for his performances at the pointy end of the season last year, but is the perfect support for Cameron and Hawkins when he brings energy and enthusiasm. Gryan Miers, Luke Dahlhaus, Brad Close and Sam Simpson are the creative pressure forwards that the team desperately needs. Can Tyson Stengle take his second chance, working with his mentor Eddie Betts? We will see if he has the discipline and brings the effort to survive in the AFL. If he does, he could pay back the Cats’ faith in spades.
4. BRISBANE
The top-liners: Zac Bailey (22 Games in 2021, 85 Average SuperCoach Score), Joe Daniher (22, 79), Lincoln McCarthy (22, 78), Daniel McStay (18, 76), Charlie Cameron (22, 69), Eric Hipwood (16, 57), Tom Fullarton (10, 48), Cam Rayner (0, 0)
The top-ups: Thomas Berry (6, 32), Nakia Cockatoo (4, 61), Blake Coleman (0, 0), Kai Lohmann (0, 0), Connor McFadyen (0, 0), Henry Smith (0, 0), Ely Smith $123,900 (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
I love the forward line mix that Lions’ coach Chris Fagan has at his disposal. Joe Daniher finally got his body right last year and produced some fine football. They have the energetic, exciting and unpredictable Charlie Cameron, the opportunistic Zac Bailey and the marking ability of mid-sized forward Lincoln McCarthy. Eric Hipwood improved alongside Daniher last year and Daniel McStay is the other piece of the puzzle who can provide aerial support. Cam Rayner was clearly missed last year but returns from a knee reconstruction. Lively mid-sized Nakia Cockatoo is another important player if he can stay injury-free, while midfielder Dayne Zorko will spend time in the forward six as he brings ground-ball winning ability and goalkicking nous. The Lions ranked No. 1 in the competition in points for last season. They can do some damage.
5. PORT ADELAIDE
The top-liners: Charlie Dixon (22 Games in 2021, 89 Average SuperCoach Score), Robbie Gray (16, 84), Zak Butters (10, 82), Connor Rozee (19, 74), Sam Powell-Pepper (14, 69), Steven Motlop (17, 68), Jeremy Finlayson (13, 68), Todd Marshall (18, 64), Orazio Fantasia (13, 62), Mitch Georgiades (21, 58), Kane Farrell (10, 48), Sam Mayes (9, 37)
The top-ups: Dylan Williams (1, 30), Ollie Lord (0, 0), Taj Schofield (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Charlie Dixon has long been the focal point, which is good for the Power to have but can also make forward-50 thrusts predictable for the opposition. It’s time for two others to step up and help. Todd Marshall is ready to grab the competition by the throat and Mitch Georgiades has all the attributes to become Port Adelaide’s most damaging forward. Georgiades has only played 28 AFL games entering his third year but he is a Coleman medallist in waiting. The talls are well complemented by the ever-creative Robbie Gray, the opportunitisic Connor Rozee, the hardness of Zak Butters and the speed of Steven Motlop and Orazio Fantasia. Given the breadth of tall talent, recruit Jeremy Finlayson could also benefit from getting a third or fourth-string defender this year.
6. RICHMOND
The top-liners: Shai Bolton (20 Games in 2021, 84 Average SuperCoach Score), Kane Lambert (13, 76), Jack Riewoldt (22, 70), Tom Lynch (18, 70), Matthew Parker (6, 62), Jake Aarts (20, 56), Jason Castagna (20, 56)
The top-ups: Hugo Ralphsmith (5, 42), Thomson Dow (5, 41)
MICK SAYS
Having the Tigers this highly ranked might surprise some. But I still think Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch have the ability to still influence games and, more importantly, they have a great understanding of how each other play. Lynch’s form was patchy last year yet still kicked 35.33 from his 18 games. If he can improve his accuracy a little it will bode well for the team. Many thought Riewoldt’s days were numbered last year – including me – but he still finished equal-sixth in the Coleman Medal with 51 goals. Coach Damien Hardwick would hoping for similar returns this year, as well as 50-60 goals between Dustin Martin and Shai Bolton – which is entirely possible. The challenge for Richmond is to get their pressure game back, which waned a little bit last year. The Tigers’ forward half pressure factor ranked 13th last year, after sitting 7th in 2020. There’s no excuse for that when you have the speedy smalls that Richmond has.
7. SYDNEY
The top-liners: Lance Franklin (17 Games in 2021, 85 Average SuperCoach Score), Isaac Heeney (20, 84), Sam Reid (10, 80), Errol Gulden (17, 76), Tom Papley (22, 70), Will Hayward (18, 66), Sam Wicks (21, 58), Hayden McLean (10, 58)
The top-ups: Joel Amartey (6, 61), Logan McDonald (7, 53), James Bell (8, 42), Ben Ronke (1, 19), Marc Sheather (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
The Swans were the most improved team in the competition last year on the back of a better territory game and how efficient they became forward of centre. They were the fourth-highest scoring team in 2021, which was quite remarkable after they ranked 15th in scores for in 2020. A lot of it came on the back of an injection of youth, which brought added speed and pressure in the forward half. Lance Franklin remains the focal point of the attack if he can stay fit, while Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney are perfect foils who are hard to match up on. Will Hayward and Sam Wicks should never be underestimated and Luke Parker is a nightmare match-up when he is playing or resting forward. With those names and their ability, I can’t see the Swans going backwards.
8. ESSENDON
The top-liners: Jake Stringer (18 Games in 2021, 93 Average SuperCoach Score), Will Snelling (19, 81), Devon Smith (19, 65), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (20, 63), Alec Waterman (13, 55), Archie Perkins (19, 50), Harrison Jones (16, 49), Brayden Ham (17, 48)
The top-ups: Kaine Baldwin (0, 0), Tom Hird (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Essendon’s top three goalkickers last year were Jake Stringer (41 goals), Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (34 goals) and Cale Hooker (33 goals). Hooker is retired and a cloud hangs over the availability of McDonald-Tipungwuti. That is a dilemma for coach Ben Rutten, but it will also provide some great opportunities to others. Stringer can’t keep the scoreboard ticking over alone as a midfield-forward. Peter Wright simply has to step up and become the Bombers’ forward 50 contested marking beast. But Wright himself also needs some support. Harrison Jones is developing and will get more opportunities, but Rutten could also look to use youngster Kaine Baldwin and even defender Aaron Francis in attack. On the smalls front, Devon Smith and Will Snelling will need to significantly lift their output both on the scoreboard and with their tackling and pressure if McDonald-Tipungwuti is missing. A couple of early surprises could be the lightning quick James Hird Academy graduate Tex Wanganeen and creative West Australian Nick Martin.
9. ST KILDA
The top-liners: Tim Membrey (21 Games in 2021, 79 Average SuperCoach Score), Jack Higgins (19, 75), Mason Wood (7, 71), Josh Battle (14, 64), Max King (20, 62), Dean Kent (7, 59), Dan Butler (22, 53), Ryan Byrnes (16, 53)
The top-ups: Cooper Sharman (4, 68), Josiah Kyle (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Max King has the physical attributes to become one of the top-three key forwards in the competition. He took the third-most contested marks of any player in 2021 and with another pre-season of weight training under his belt he could become the competition’s No. 1 contested marker this year. If he masters his goalkicking, King could quite easily have a Coleman Medal hanging around his neck at year’s end. King and Tim Membrey form a formidable combination as key forwards and have great synergy. Rowan Marshall poses a threat when he is in attack, although I’d like to see him hit the scoreboard more than he does. Josh Battle is hard to match up on and kicks long goals. Dan Butler and Jack Higgins bring creativity and goal kicking ability while Jade Gresham has a high football IQ. Where St Kilda can improve is getting a better balance between their deep entries inside-50 and their hit-up entries.
10. WEST COAST
The top-liners: Jack Darling (22 Games in 2021, 75 Average SuperCoach Score), Jamie Cripps (22, 73), Josh Kennedy (18, 70), Oscar Allen (21, 64), Liam Ryan (14, 62), Jake Waterman (14, 58), Jamaine Jones (12, 55), Zac Langdon (16, 49), Jack Petruccelle (17, 47), Willie Rioli (0, 0)
The top-ups: Xavier O’Neill (7, 43), Connor West (5, 51)
MICK SAYS
Let’s be blunt. West Coast’s forward 50 pressure was woeful last year and must improve. They ranked last in the AFL for forward 50 pressure. There are more questions than answers about the Eagles’ attack entering 2022. Will Jack Darling play? He was their leading goalkicker last year. Can Josh Kennedy continue to deliver or will his ageing legs get the better of him? Kennedy and Darling kicked 83 goals between them last year. The pressure to cover their output — if it drops or disappears — squarely falls on Oscar Allen, Liam Ryan, Jamie Cripps, a returning Willie Rioli and the speedy Jack Petruccelle. If the West Coast forwards are all fit and available, they are an efficient group that deserves to be ranked 10th. But they could also hit the wall this year.
11. CARLTON
The top-liners: Harry McKay (19 Games in 2021, 77 Average SuperCoach Score), Lachie Fogarty (16, 69), Jack Martin (11, 68), Jack Silvagni (15, 65), Zac Fisher (10, 65), Mitch McGovern (5, 59), Matthew Owies (13, 55), Charlie Curnow (4, 52)
The top-ups: Oscar McDonald (1, 53), Josh Honey (4, 50), Corey Durdin (2, 33), Jesse Motlop (0, 0), Sam Philp (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
I am genuinely excited about the prospect of seeing Harry McKay and a fit Charlie Curnow working together, possibly with the addition of Jack Silvagni who is a natural forward but might also be used as a secondary ruck. But the heat will be on the small forwards to lift their pressure, particularly given Eddie Betts and Michael Gibbons are no longer there. Corey Durdin defends as well as anyone and should get plenty of chances. Josh Honey is quick and creative but needs to work on his defensive actions. I think Durdin and Honey jump ahead of Fogarty, who finds space but is slow and doesn’t apply the defensive pressure required. Matthew Owies is worth persevering with as he reads the game well but also needs to ramp up his pressure game.
12. GWS
The top-liners: Toby Greene (17 Games in 2021, 91 Average SuperCoach Score), Jesse Hogan (8, 75), Harry Himmelberg (22, 72), Daniel Lloyd (14, 65), Brent Daniels (13, 58), Zach Sproule (8, 54), Bobby Hill (16, 49), Tanner Bruhn (11, 48), Jake Riccardi (7, 42)
The top-ups: Conor Stone (3, 42)
MICK SAYS
The Giants are a very efficient forward half scoring team when they’ve got their best personnel available. But the reality is they won’t have Toby Greene for the first five games this year, who was their leading goalkicker last season. They’ve also lost Jeremy Finlayson, who was a third-tall who could hit the scoreboard. It is therefore vital that recruit Jesse Hogan hits the ground running and justifies the faith that has been placed in him. Hogan kicked 20 goals from nine games last season and is more than capable of kicking 2.5 goals a game for the Giants this year if he stays fit and applies himself. It is his time to shine at a third club. Daniel Lloyd is a dead eye and Harry Himmelberg kicked the second-most goals at the club last year. The challenge is getting the combination right around the talls. Bobby Hill and Brent Daniels are the quick pressure forwards but the Giants need more goals out of them. Jake Riccardi could secure a permanent spot in the side. But is he good enough? And does he want it enough?
13. FREMANTLE
The top-liners: Rory Lobb (13 Games in 2021, 73 Average SuperCoach Score), Matt Taberner (16, 67), Sam Switkowski (12, 66), Michael Walters (16, 64), Lachie Schultz (20, 60), Travis Colyer (22, 59), Michael Frederick (7, 50), Mitch Crowden (15, 47), Josh Treacy (15, 44), Liam Henry (17, 42)
The top-ups: Bailey Banfield (6, 48), Sam Sturt (1, 24), Jye Amiss (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Coach Justin Longmuir needs to work towards implementing a consistent three talls and three smalls structure. Matt Taberner is the focal point but needs to be given strong support by Rory Lobb. Contested marking can be a feature of Lobb’s game and he has the ability to kick 30-40 goals as a more permanent forward, which he is better suited to than being a ruckman. Josh Treacy showed some ability last year but needs to bring some consistency to complete what can become a formidable trio of talls. There are options with the smalls. Nat Fyfe provides plenty when he is forward and Michael Walters oozes class. Then you’ve got Lachie Schultz, Travis Colyer, Mitch Crowden and the speed of Liam Henry and Sam Switkowski, who can be weapons both offensively and defensively. The Dockers were the fourth-lowest scoring team last year, but there is some upside there.
14. ADELAIDE
The top-liners: Taylor Walker (17 Games in 2021, 86 Average SuperCoach Score), Riley Thilthorpe (14, 61), James Rowe (18, 58), Lachlan Murphy (15, 54), Ned McHenry (21, 54), Darcy Fogarty (16, 53), Shane McAdam (15, 53), Sam Berry (17, 46), Elliott Himmelberg (8, 46), Billy Frampton (10, 45)
The top-ups: Lachlan Gollant (1, 37), Tariek Newchurch (0, 0), Joshua Rachele (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
The big question on everyone’s lips is how Taylor Walker is going to go this year. He made a flying start to last season, kicking 27 goals from his first seven games on his way to 48 majors for the year. Can he replicate that again? Walker will miss the first three games this season as part of the six-match ban he received last year for a racist slur which saw him banished from the club. But the Crows desperately need their ex-captain to produce that magnificent form of 12 months ago when he does return. Expect Riley Thilthorpe to take another big step forward this year and Darcy Fogarty has the talent to be a handy third-tall if he applies himself correctly. Ned McHenry reminds me of former Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne as an in-your-face competitor, but needs to back that up on the scoreboard more often. Lachlan Murphy and James Rowe are busy but must become more consistent and narrow the gap between their best and worst. I love the way Shane McAdam attacks the footy in the air and with another pre-season under his belt, he could be a bolter this year.
15. HAWTHORN
The top-liners: Chad Wingard (16 Games in 2021, 92 Average SuperCoach Score), Dylan Moore (20, 77), Luke Breust (19, 71), Mitch Lewis (14, 66), Harry Morrison (14, 64), Conor Nash (7, 57), Jacob Koschitzke (20, 53), Tyler Brockman (11, 42), Jack Gunston (1, 22)
The top-ups: Emerson Jeka (4, 35), Finn Maginness (2, 33), Josh Morris (2, 18), Jackson Callow (0, 0), Seamus Mitchell (0, 0), Jack Saunders (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Dylan Moore was a revelation as a small pressure forward last year. Everyone was wondering who would replace Paul Puopolo and he stepped up and did that. Moore kicked 27 goals last year and has still only played 30 games, which is impressive. Another young player that Sam Mitchell will be putting a lot of time into is Tyler Brockman, who has genuine upside. Mitch Lewis and Jacob Koschitzke are other young players who are going places, while veteran Luke Bruest still finished as the Hawks’ leading goalkicker last year with 33 majors. There is no better front-and-square player than Bruest. Chad Wingard brings genuine class and with a fit Jack Gunston back into the mix, this is a forward group that could pack a bite if you underestimate them. The Hawks could be a bit of a wildcard this year.
16. NORTH MELBOURNE
The top-liners: Jaidyn Stephenson (19 Games in 2021, 78 Average SuperCoach Score), Cameron Zurhaar (20, 64), Nick Larkey (22, 60), Jack Mahony (19, 55), Curtis Taylor (18, 53), Bailey Scott (16, 53), Tristan Xerri (8, 38), Charlie Lazzaro (10, 37)
The top-ups: Eddie Ford (4, 48), Phoenix Spicer (1, 12), Paul Curtis (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
The L-plates are off. There’s no more excuses for North Melburne’s small and medium forwards, who need to step up and be consistent performers if the Kangaroos are going to average more than the 66 points a game they did last year. Curtis Taylor has been in the system for a while and needs to start hitting the scoreboard more in his high half-forward role. The likes of Bailey Scott, Charlie Lazaro and Jack Mahony also need to show improvement and bring greater consistency to their games. Cameron Zurhaar is super competitive and willing to risk his body both in the air and at ground level to win his own footy. Nick Larkey will continue to improve after showing some really good signs throughout 2021, particularly in the second half of the season when he kicked 21 goals from his last seven games. But who is going to complement those two? It will be intriguing to see how the Kangaroos use Tristan Xerri and whether Jaidyn Stephenson is left as a more permanent forward – where he is best suited – or is used in the midfield. Recruit Callum Colmean-Jones could add a bit to the attack as well as being a rotating ruck.
17. COLLINGWOOD
The top-liners: Jamie Elliott (13 Games in 2021, 79 Average SuperCoach Score), Darcy Cameron (18, 77), Brody Mihocek (21, 60), Trent Bianco (11, 51), Mason Cox (7, 51), Callum Brown (14, 50), Oliver Henry (10, 40), Beau McCreery (12, 39)
The top-ups: Jack Ginnivan (5, 41), Ashley Johnson (0, 0), Liam McMahon (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Can Craig McRae fix Collingwood’s forward-50 ball-winning ability and scoring issues? The Magpies were the third-lowest scoring team last season, averaging 70 points a game. Getting the right balance up forward is a priority, but also having players that can consistently win their own footy up there. We know Jordan De Goey and Jamie Elliott can do that. But are they needed through the midfield? Someone needs to step up and help key forward Brody Mihocek, who should not be the No. 1 forward. Mason Cox is just about out of chances and whether he and Darcy Cameron can play in the same team is up for debate. Will Kelly has been riddled with injuries, but has the ability to step up and force Cox out of the side. Jack Ginnivan was a positive last year and is a young player who can find space in a phone box and loves to kick goals. Oliver Henry has great X-Factor and I love what I’ve seen from him. Partick Lipinski has been recruited as another depth player, but his goalscoring the past two years at the Bulldogs has dried up. Beau McCreery is hard, applies great pressure and kicks goals so will be persevered with. I’d also be getting games into the 197cm Liam McMahon as quickly as possible if he is ready. He could be a player of the future.
18. GOLD COAST
The top-liners: Nick Holman (16 Games in 2021, 65 Average SuperCoach Score), Ben Ainsworth (17, 61), Darcy MacPherson (11, 59), Josh Corbett (15, 57), Izak Rankine (18, 55), Alex Sexton (18, 55), Sam Flanders (15, 55), Ben King (22, 53), Levi Casboult (13, 50), Sam Day (6, 57)
The top-ups: Joel Jeffrey (4, 26), Malcolm Rosas (3, 30), Hewago Paul Oea (0, 0)
MICK SAYS
Coach Stuart Dew has to bite the bullet. With Ben King’s cruel injury blow ruling him out for the season, Jack Lukosius needs to be thrown forward. He’s 195cm and was a forward as a junior in South Australia.
He averaged 2.3 goals from four national championships matches in his under-18 year. It is worth the gamble because the Gold Coast forward line does not have a lot going for it otherwise.
The recruitment of Levi Casboult is timely in the wake of King’s injury, but he is not going to deliver the 47 goals that King did last year.
Sam Day’s body has continually let him down, but he gives his all and remains an important part of the team if he can stay on the park.
There has long been plenty of hype around Izak Rankine, but is he living up to it? The Suns desperately need to improve their scores per inside-50 and forward 50 marks if they are to climb the ladder this season.
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