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.
8. Charlie Cameron
In a premiership-winning year, Cameron takes eighth place with a medallion in hand.
Whilst it was far from Cameron's best season, failing to kick 50 goals for the first time since 2020, the 30-year-old speedster still managed 44 goals in Brisbane's successful campaign. An out-of-form start to 2024 highlighted his decrease in goals, but following Round 13, Cameron would kick a goal in every game for the rest of the season, including seven in the Lions' finals series.
His speed was utilised to apply pressure to defensive opposition too, recording 14 pressure acts and 1.1 tackles inside 50 per game.
With the ability to turn on a dime and accelerate away from his opponent, Cameron possesses X-factor like few do in the AFL, always remaining a chance to sneak through a goal in a clutch moment.
