Every AFL club's squad for the 2027 season is coming together, so how does each team's back, midfield and forward line stack up with their rivals?
We at Zero Hanger will be going through all 18 clubs, analysing and ranking them 1-18 across all three thirds of the ground. We started with the backline last week, and now it is time to rank the forwards.
While the draft, delisted free agent signing period and trial spots remain for clubs to recruit players, the majority of each team's starting 23 are in place.
Focusing on the players at their disposal, their style of football in 2026, and with a look forward to Round 1, 2027, this is how we ranked every club 1-18 for its attack.
Richmond
Forwards: Rhyan Mansell, Jonty Faull, Harry Armstrong, Tom Lynch, Taj Hotton, Sam Lalor, Maurice Rioli, Noah Balta, Zane Peucker, Noah Roberts-Thomson, Jasper Alger, Thomas Sims, Seth Campbell, Tom Burton, Mykelti Lefau
The full-blown rebuild has meant Richmond is looking young across the field for the next few seasons, and that means not much fun for Tigers fans.
However, there are bright points to focus on - which will likely be all Richmond supporters can do in 2027 - with young talent coming to the fore.
With a new strength and conditioning manager brought in, the Tigers' young group of Harry Armstrong, Sam Lalor, Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton, Thomas Sims, Seth Campbell and Jasper Alger should hope to finally get a clean run at a full season.
A lot of that group will be in their third season next year, with a bit stronger bodies and more mature minds; it could see their growth explode quickly if their bodies give them continuity.
But it is hard to see how this young forward line kicks consistent scores. Even with a fit Tom Lynch, he is more of a mentor now for the young Tiger cubs up forward, and the club would do well to get more than 30 goals out of him.
