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.
Hawthorn
Forwards: Ben King, Jack Gunston, Calsher Dear, Mitchell Lewis, Mabior Chol, Nick Watson, Jack Dalton, Connor MacDonald, Dylan Moore, Cody Anderson, Max Beattie, Jack Ginnivan, Matt Hill
How many key forwards is too many key forwards? That is the only question surrounding Hawthorn's forward line heading into next season.
Otherwise, it is a complete package for Sam Mitchell to utilise, with Ben King a great replacement for Jack Gunston when the latter retires. It just depends whether the two deep-sitting key forwards can work together in one forward 50.
Mitch Lewis will act as the centre-half forward who can roam up the ground, but then what do the Hawks do with Mabior Chol and Calsher Dear and who plays the pinch-hit ruck role?
Nick Watson is the best small forward in the game at just 21 and will only get better next season.
Fellow small to mid-sized forwards Dylan Moore, Jack Ginnivan and Connor MacDonald are hard-working and vital to Hawthorn's transition game.
The Hawks kicked 122 points in a Preliminary Final demonstrating their offensive might against the three-time reigning premiers, albeit losing by an inch.
Perhaps the only item left on Mitchell's wishlist is a goal-kicking midfielder, but Will Day is capable of that, and at the end of the day Hawthorn already has enough match-winners in its attack.
