The showstoppers. The goal scorers. And sometimes, the freaks. The forwards of the AFL have an uncanny ability to drop the jaws of those watching, whether it's high-flying marks and hard-to-believe goals. Yet, the majority believe it's easier than it looks.
Forwards get recognised through the Coleman Medal, rewarding the player for kicking the most goals in the home and away season, while they normally feature heavily in the running for either goal or mark of the year.
So, who were the 10 best forwards in the 2025 AFL season?
Before we delve into the top 10, here is a group of players unlucky not to be rewarded with a spot on the list.
Unlucky to miss:
Logan Morris - 53 goals, 125 score involvements, 16 goal assists
Jack Higgins - 46 goals, 118 score involvements, 14 goal assists
Ben Long - 45 goals, 143 score involvements, 16 goal assists
Zac Bailey - 42 goals, 177 score involvements, 16 goal assists
Rhylee West - 39 goals, 144 score involvements, 23 goal assists
5Jack Gunston
They say out with the old and in with the new, but Gunston defied logic.
The 34-year-old secured a second All-Australian blazer, kicking 62 goals in the home and away season.
That decision was vindicated when he slotted 11 majors in three finals, helping the Hawks find a way to the preliminary final.
Ironically, the only time he went goalless was against his former side, Brisbane, in Round 11.
He also dished off 20 goal assists, which was his second-best return throughout his career.
