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.
Melbourne
Forwards: Jacob van Rooyen, Bailey Laurie, Thomas Matthews, Matthew Jefferson, Brody Mihocek, Harry Sharp, Zane Duursma, Will McLachlan, Bayley Fritsch, Latrelle Pickett, Harrison Petty, Kade Chandler, Luker Kentfield, Kysaiah Pickett
The Demons were a scoring machine in 2026, averaging 108.9 points in their last eight matches.
Melbourne outlasted Grand Finalists Fremantle 113-109 in an MCG shootout in Round 22, did the same against eventual premiers Brisbane (104-102) in Round 6, smashed Preliminary Finalist Hawthorn twice during the season and pushed fellow Preliminary Finalist Sydney at the SCG in Round 8 (131-114).
Under coach Steven King, the Demons are one of the most watchable and entertaining sides in the league.
And while Melbourne's defence is not its strongest, its attack is scary, and there is plenty of room for development and growth next season.
Key forward Jacob van Rooyen shows glimpses of his potential with dominant games before he disappears for a week or two. If he can grow in consistency, he will play a big role in a September run for the club.
Melbourne has recruited two mercurial mid-sized forwards during the off-season in Zane Duursma and Will McLachlan, while Latrelle Pickett should also improve next year.
When you play the Dees, you know it will be a shootout, but their pistol is fast becoming an AR-15.
