Brisbane great Alastair Lynch names the 10 best key forwards in the AFL aged 21 and under

Who is the best young key forward in the AFL? Triple Brisbane premiership forward Alastair Lynch names his top 10, with a Bulldog, Sun and Kangaroo in the top five. See the full list.

Aaron Naughton is the best young key forward in the AFL, according to Alastair Lynch. Picture: Michael Klein

Who is the best young key forward in the AFL?

Triple premiership star and Fox Footy expert Alastair Lynch believes that title goes to Bulldog Aaron Naughton.

The Brisbane Lions great explains to Jon Ralph who he rates as the best 10 key forwards 21-and-under on their future potential, with Gold Coast boasting the game’s second best prospect.

See his full list below.

ALASTAIR LYNCH’S TOP 10 KEY FORWARDS AGED 21 AND UNDER

1. AARON NAUGHTON (20, Western Bulldogs)

Lynch says: “He can take contested grabs and he has got such power. He is absolutely the one I would pick to build a forward line around.”

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Aaron Naughton is the best young key forward in the AFL, according to Alastair Lynch. Picture: Michael Klein

2. BEN KING (19, Gold Coast)

Lynch says: “He has more exposed form than his brother and has taken genuine one-on-one contested marks against great defenders without good delivery. 11 goals in his last five games last year.”
3. NICK BLAKEY (20, Sydney)

Lynch says: “His dad John was best man at my wedding but this isn’t about favouritism. He is so explosive and can get up into the midfield to lose his man. He uses the ball so well and loves the big moments. He is the pick of these guys as a player who could play wing or midfield.”

Nick Blakey has already had a big impact at Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Max King made his AFL debut in Round 1. Picture: Michael Klein

4. MAX KING (19, St Kilda)

Lynch says: “Haven’t seen a lot of him yet but a No.4 pick who should be a star for a long time. Took some great marks against Darcy Moore in the pre-season and has the perfect junior pedigree.”

5. NICK LARKEY (21, North Melbourne)

Lynch says: “Kicked 26 goals in 17 games last year and will add some more power to his game and fill out. Can’t wait to see him and Ben Brown play together for the next five years, with Cam Zuurhar as the mid-sized forward.”

Nick Larkey had a breakout season in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

Mitch Lewis celebrates a goal for the Hawks. Picture: Michael Klein

6. MITCH LEWIS (21, Hawthorn)

Lynch says: “Really impressed with his development as a late pick (No.76). He moves well and marks the ball really strongly above his head. Kicked 20 goals from 12 games last year but also took 27 marks. I was surprised he was dropped at times.”

7. OSCAR ALLEN (21, West Coast)

Lynch says: “He has shown plenty given the limited opportunities because of the forwards in front of him. Also pinch-hits in the ruck and played 21 games in a great side last year. The perfect successor to Josh Kennedy when he does retire and just does a lot right.”

Oscar Allen has managed to make an impact at the Eagles despite being behind established stars Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling. Picture: Michael Klein

8. TODD MARSHALL (21, Port Adelaide)

Lynch says: “Only 10 goals from 10 games last year but he’s going to develop into a really high-class forward. He moves well in the forward line, he isn’t one-dimensional and he uses it well. He has had enormous family challenges in the first part of his career but he will settle down into a high-class player.”

9. ESAVA RATUGOLEA (21, Geelong)

Lynch says: “Love his raw athleticism and power. He looks like he will perfectly compliment Tom Hawkins and then eventually succeed him. 15 goals from 20 games last year and some ruck work. He has had to overcome some injuries and will develop some consistency but he’s only been playing since he was 13 so he has real upside.”

10. TOM McCARTIN (20, Sydney)

Lynch says: “He has a massive tank to get up and down the SCG and they are going to settle him down as a forward after he played forward and back last year. A perfect forward line to develop in alongside Lance Franklin and Nick Blakey.”

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Darcy Fogarty (Adelaide), Cam Zuurhar (North Melbourne), Elliott Himmelberg (Adelaide).

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Originally published as Brisbane great Alastair Lynch names the 10 best key forwards in the AFL aged 21 and under