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.
Western Bulldogs
Forwards: Sam Darcy, Cody Weightman, Arthur Jones, Aaron Naughton, Rhylee West, Jordan Croft, Will Darcy, Laitham Vandermeer, Josh Dolan, Will Lewis, Luke Kennedy
The biggest risers in scores for next season could be the Bulldogs with the return of generational talent Sam Darcy and Marcus Bontempelli spending more time forward.
Luke Beveridge's side ranked 14th for scores in 2026 after finishing first 12 months prior.
Darcy's return will boost that obviously, while allowing Aaron Naughton to play second key tall.
The Flea Cody Weightman will also have a full pre-season under his belt and will hopefully get back to his best football as a small forward, while his apprentice Arthur Jones shone in 2026 with added consistency.
The Bulldogs' midfield group also has great scoring power with the likes of Bontempelli, Ed Richards and Joel Freijah often hitting the scoreboard.
The Dogs are going all out to win another premiership under Beveridge, and if Darcy's legs can stay injury-free, this team looms as a scoring powerhouse equal with Brisbane and Sydney.
