It's looming as the toughest area to select in AFL Supercoach 2022 - the forward line.
With only one forward averaging over 100 last season, this could be the area to experiment and take a couple of punts.
Will you aim for forward 'premiums' such as Josh Dunkley and Mitch Duncan, or will you take a risk on the likes of Zak Butters and Jade Gresham?
Sporting News looks at the prices of the AFL forwards and analyses the questions you want answered.
Top 10 Premium Forward Prices
| Name | Club | 2021 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Dunkley | Western Bulldogs | 102.5 | $558,200 |
| Mitch Duncan | Geelong | 99.2 | $540,000 |
| Tim Taranto | GWS | 97.3 | $529,700 |
| Tom Hawkins | Geelong | 93.9 | $510,900 |
| Jake Stringer | Essendon | 93.1 | $506,800 |
| Dustin Martin | Richmond | 92.5 | $503,500 |
| Chad Wingard | Hawthorn | 92.1 | $501,500 |
| Toby Greene | GWS | 90.9 | $495,000 |
| Charlie Dixon | Port Adelaide | 89.1 | $484,900 |
| Ben McEvoy | Hawthorn | 88.9 | $483,700 |
It seems like a tough gig selecting forwards this season, with the midfield/forwards of last year mostly having their dual-player positions removed.
The top three - Josh Dunkley, Mitch Duncan and Tim Taranto - will likely spend significant time in the midfield and loom as the 'safest' picks for your forward line.
Tom Hawkins always produces output around 90-100 but safer options will likely appear during the season, with the Cat turning 34 this year.
Burst midfield/forwards in Dustin Martin, Jake Stringer and Chad Wingard appear to be high-risk-high-reward, with their general inconsistency but ability to pump out large scores.
MORE: Price and selection guides: Defenders | Midfielders | Rucks
Cheaper Premium Forward Options
| Name | Club | 2020 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan De Goey | Collingwood | 85.2 | $463,500 |
| Zac Bailey | Brisbane | 84.5 | $459,900 |
| Shai Bolton | Richmond | 84.3 | $458,600 |
| Isaac Heeney | Sydney | 83.5 | $454,500 |
| Zak Butters | Port Adelaide | 81.5 | $443,600 |
| Jade Gresham | St Kilda | 68.7 | $299,000 |
| Cam Rayner | Brisbane | 0 | $278,600 |
Several of the mid-price options look enticing but will they be traps again in 2022?
Will Jordan De Goey bite the bullet and reach the potential we all know that he possesses?
Can Zac Bailey and Shai Bolton take their games to the next level in midfield roles?
Isaac Heeney and Zak Butters are options that could get around 100 but will you trust them after their 80 averages in 2021?
Jade Gresham and Cam Rayner are both returning from serious injuries and loom as cash cow options that could become premiums in best-case scenario.
Rookie Forward Options
Take a look at our full rookie and cash cow guide here.
MORE: Price and selection guides: Defenders | Midfielders | Rucks
