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.
Collingwood
Forwards: Jamie Elliott, Lachlan Schultz, Daniel McStay, Jesse Hogan, Tim Membrey, Jack Buller, Charlie West, Jordan De Goey, Beau McCreery, Harvey Harrison, Zac McCarthy, Will Hayes, Angus Anderson, Jai Saxena
Craig McRae's ageing warriors' hopes of another flag push will depend on how their bodies cope with a full season of football.
Jesse Hogan finally gives Collingwood two focal points in attack. Whether or not it takes away from Dan McStay after he excelled as the lone ranger in the forward line last year is yet to be known.
Hopefully Jamie Elliott can return and get back to his best football after 2026's ACL heartbreak.
The Pies need their small forwards in Will Hayes and Harvey Harrison to grow in impact to support midfielder-forwards Jordan De Goey and Beau McCreery.
On paper, Collingwood's forward line does not appear that strong, but you never doubt the capabilities of a McRae side, and the Pies' scoring efforts increased as last season wore on.
