Three key forwards loom as promising bargain recruits for AFL clubs to consider ahead of next week's delisted free agency opening, with several teams viewed as potential suitors given their tall attacking stocks heading into 2027.
The trade and free agency period saw a number of spearhead options move clubs, with Ben King (Hawthorn), Jesse Hogan (Collingwood, Aidan Schubert (Gold Coast) and Joel Amartey (Carlton) all finding new homes.
Hawthorn's front-half shake-up, coupled with the re-signing of Calsher Dear, saw young forward-ruck hybrid Max Ramsden delisted; however, the Hawks will keep the former Mid-Season Draft recruit in mind as a potential signing later into the off-season, pending the fallout of their draft plans.
Ramsden, who sat toward the end of Sam Mitchell's tall forward pecking order despite strong VFL form, is one name clubs should be looking at ahead of delisted free agency, per the AFL Trade Show's Aidan Cellini.
Ramsden could be a cheap-price recruit for the likes of Melbourne or Collingwood, who could utilise a 203cm attacking target that can also pinch-hit in the ruck.
"You'd like to think Max Ramsden could be eyed (by clubs)," Cellini said.
"When he came into the AFL side at Hawthorn, he held his own. Obviously, he was forced to play VFL for most of his time, and with Ben King coming in, it was even more likely that he'd spend more of his time in the VFL.
"Would a club like Collingwood or Melbourne, who were after Calsher Dear, who are looking for key forward options and a second ruck (have a look)?
"Max Ramsden should be considered and have interest from rival clubs."
Cut West Coast tall Jack Williams is another forward on the lookout for a second chance, having fallen out of favour at the Eagles given their list of emerging key forwards and the incumbency of All-Australian Jake Waterman.
Cellini believes the Demons and Magpies, as well as Geelong, should be among the clubs considering Williams ahead of next week's signing window.
"Jack Williams is another one who can play key forward and second ruck. He just fell victim to the forward line squeeze," Cellini added.
"Jake Waterman, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Jobe Shanahan, they're going to prioritise and want to get AFL games into those guys.
"Williams can definitely play and would have a desire to continue his AFL career. Again, Collingwood and Melbourne, maybe Geelong, are clubs that could look at him."
Geelong could also have an interest in cut Port Adelaide tall Ollie Lord, who is the grandson of Cats champion Alastair Lord, and was limited to one game in 2026 due to an ACL injury sustained in the SANFL.
Speaking on the AFL Trade Show, host Mitch Keating highlighted Geelong's need for a long-term key forward.
"Williams could be one for Geelong. Ollie Lord too. He has a famous family connection at the Cattery," Keating said.
"Behind Cameron and Neale, there's not really a lot there. Polkinghorne is 190cm, Ollie Henry is somewhat the same. They don't have that out-and-out new-age key forward knocking on the door."
