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.
Sydney
Forwards: Hayden McLean, Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald, Tom Papley, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Jesse Dattoli, Malcolm Rosas, Braeden Campbell, Jevan Phillipou, Billy Cootee, Max King, Caiden Cleary, Corey Warner, Tom Hanily, Liam Hetherton, Jake Lloyd
Sydney's forward line was the most threatening and potent out of any side in the league last season, kicking over 100 points in a game on 16 occasions while scoring higher than 130 points seven times.
Charlie Curnow defied the doubters in his first season at the Swans, growing into the year before winning a third All-Australian jacket and Coleman Medal with 75 goals.
The small forward mix of Tom Papley, Braeden Campbell and Malcolm Rosas is dynamic, speedy and problematic for opposition defenders, while Jesse Dattoli has emerged as a potential future star.
The elephant in the room is how, and if, Isaac Heeney will be able to return and play for this Sydney side and how his potential lack of goals or midfield brilliance will impact the Swans' scoring.
Nick Blakey's departure from half-back will also detract from Sydney's ability to counterattack, move the ball and score.
In positive news, there was Logan McDonald's end to the season. He finished with 24 goals from his last seven games, including nine majors across Sydney's two finals (six against Brisbane and three against Fremantle).
The former Pick 4 kicked 51 for the season and appears ready to partner Curnow in a star-studded forward line at the SCG.
