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.
15Will Lewis
Main key forward: Aaron Naughton
If you had told Will Lewis in the 2026 pre-season that he would be the second key forward for the Bulldogs, even he would be shocked. In the absence of Sam Darcy for the remainder of the season, Lewis has stepped up, kicking 1.2 goals per match, shouldering some of the load put on Aaron Naughton.
His role as a defensive forward is significant, antagonising defenders like James Sicily in Round 13. Intended to be a depth player, Lewis has exceeded all expectations turning into a serviceable player.
