The days of the big forwards kicking bags are likely behind us. For the most part, anyway.
Those of us with some miles on the clock have fond memories of Dunstall, Lockett, Ablett, and then Modra joining the fray, and kicking massive hauls of goals on a weekly basis.
The game evolved, defences tightened, and team defence snuffed out the individual brilliance that was so great to watch.
But in its place, a new breed of forward emerged – ones that had to do more and work harder, and as we look forward to the 2026 AFL season, there are five players ready to take the next step.
But who will sit atop them when all is said and done?
How far that next step takes them is a matter of just how good they can be, but as it stands, the names of Riley Thilthorpe, Josh Treacy, Sam Darcy, Logan Morris, and Mitch Georgiades are the men that will battle it out to become the next generation’s number one forward. All are currently under 25 years of age, and despite various setbacks, all had great 2025 seasons.
How do they stack up, and what are the intangibles that could elevate one above the others?
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