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.
Essendon
Forwards: Nate Caddy, Archer May, Peter Wright, Isaac Kako, Archie Perkins, Hussien El Achkar, Rhys Unwin, Archer Day-Wicks, Jayden Nguyen, Sullivan Robey
If things go right for Essendon, there is enough talent in its forward line to kick a score. However, the Bombers will need a clean run with injury to stay competitive in attack.
Nate Caddy is turning into a star, and booting 46 goals in the 2026 Bombers side that consistently kicked the ball over his head is very impressive.
Isaac Kako's development slowed right down in season two, but the talent is there, and the club will be hoping he and Hussien El Achkar can form a dangerous partnership at the feet of Caddy, Peter Wright (who regained some form late in the season) and Archer May.
The 22-year-old May is an interesting prospect for the Bombers; if he can find continuity in his body, he looms as a potential partner in key forward crime for Caddy.
Archer Day-Wicks has become a solid contributor, while the returning Nic Martin has a good knack when in the forward line.
But even with some master coaching, this forward set-up is too young and thin to be a threat in 2026.
