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.
4. Izak Rankine
Rankine has perhaps the greatest potential on this list to earn a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2025. It seems Rankine is knocking on the door of a consistent, breakout year, given his glimpses of X-factor and raw talent seen this season.
Rankine recorded career-high disposal figures in 2024, while just one goal shy from averaging two majors a game. The only lowlight to Rankine's season was his continual interruption through suspension and injury, playing just 15 games in 2024.
Rankine averaged 18.8 pressure acts as well as 1.1 tackles inside 50, proving his two-way running ability.
His livewire speed is what remains Rankine's greatest attribute though, with blitzing acceleration able to break the game open. Although he ran too far, Rankine's burst on the wing against Collingwood in Round 10 nearly gave the Crows the opportunity to steal the game late in the piece. That game was a season-best for Rankine, and an eye-opener to fans, as he recorded 30 disposals and one goal.
If Rankine can play a consistent string of games in 2025, watch Rankine soar even further up the rankings of the AFL's best general forwards.
