Each Batman needs a Robin.
Every Lance Franklin needs his Jarryd Roughead and every Josh J. Kennedy needs his Jack Darling, so who are the best Robins in the AFL today?
The star key forward is one of the most important players on the field for every AFL team. They demand the most attention and can completely turn a game on its head. Their gravity creates opportunity for their key forward counterparts to stand up and deliver out of the spotlight.
The secondary key forward is an unheralded role, and when at their best, can lift teams from a great offensive team to an outright powerhouse. Having an elite complementary forward can produce a formidable pairing with defences forced to divide their attention between both key forwards.
Possessing multiple elite avenues to goal creates an imposing forward line and is why many of the best teams in the competition have a dynamic secondary key forward so we've ranked them from most to least impactful to highlight some of the dominant seasons from supporting keys and some of the underwhelming seasons in 2026.
6Cooper Trembath
Main key forward: Nick Larkey
Drafted Pick 10 in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft in 2025, Cooper Trembath took no time to announce himself as a dominant force kicking nine goals in three games. This year, he's continued with his terrific form playing in every match performing incredible athletic feats each week.
His agility for his size makes him a game-breaking sidekick to Nick Larkey. Trembath can compete well in the ruck with his outstanding leap before pushing forward to take a big contested grab. At just 20 years old, the future is bright for the key forward. He may not be the sidekick for long.
