Small-medium-sized forwards can turn a game on its head with livewire spark and flair, whilst others can both accumulate possession and tally multiple goals on the scoreboard.
Either way, the general forward has become a necessary commodity for a successful club, with the best teams often maximising the potential of their speedy, skillful smalls. As the 2025 season slowly approaches, it's time to reflect on the performances of the general forwards in 2024 and rank the top 10, analysing the exceptional goalkickers, forward 50 tacklers, and X-factor-laden game-winners.
Whilst stats are a telling indicator, this list will also evaluate the impact and influence each general forward has on games across the forward half of the ground.
From All-Australians to up-and-coming weapons reaching their prime, these forwards starred in their position in 2024 and will be a key component to their side's success in 2025.
Before we begin, here are a few notable players stiff to miss a top 10 spot, highlighting the growing importance of small-medium-sized forwards in the modern game.
Snubs:
Connor Macdonald
*Positions based on Champion Data's 'general forward' qualifications.
1. Toby Greene
The best general forward in the AFL has to be none other than Toby Greene.
The GWS captain at age 31 still has the greatest influence on the game of all general forwards in the league. Greene is never out of the contest, even if he has been kept quiet for a half, he can spring out of nowhere and deliver multiple blows to singlehandedly reel the Giants back into the contest.
Despite not owning the speed as other smaller general forwards, Greene still averages a tackle inside 50 per game and 15.9 pressure acts. His vision is also as strong as teammate Daniels, averaging 1.1 goal assists and 6.6 score involvements.
If Greene is putting his fingerprints over the ball regularly, the Giants will be controlling the contest. If the opposition can hold him back, however, GWS can be restrained. Greene's commanding influence on the contest is like no other forward half presence.
Take GWS' loss to Brisbane in the semi-final as an example. A two-goal first half alongside Jesse Hogan's efforts paved the way for a 44-point lead halfway through the third quarter. When the Lions charged home, Greene kicked a stabilising goal to stifle the momentum, but he was restricted to only three more touches as Brisbane won in unbelievable fashion.
The semi-final highlights how Greene's impact is so influential on a winning GWS result. The Giants only won one game in 2024 when the controversial star went goalless, and that was against a cellar-dwelling North Melbourne.
With the Giants looking to avenge choking two large margins in the finals, how Greene leads by example on-field in 2025 will be key to another GWS finals berth, and his position as the league's best general forward.
