The forward line is the glamour position in Australian football, home to the game’s most famous and loved players.
The key forward often grabs the headlines with match-winning hauls and highlight-reel moments, providing the finishing touch that turns dominance into scoreboard pressure.
These five superstars epitomise that and will look to spearhead their respective club’s attacks again in 2026.
So, who are the favourites to claim the leading goalkicker title this year? And more importantly, could any of them break the elusive 100-goal barrier?
Honourable mentions: Aaron Cadman, Logan Morris, Mitch Georgiades, Nick Larkey, Riley Thilthorpe
5Charlie Curnow
Tom McCartin and Charlie Curnow at Sydney training in December. Credit: Sydney/Phil Hillyard
In a new state, new city and new colours, there’s plenty of pressure on Charlie Curnow to deliver on his proven superstar standards for the Swans.
The media buzz he desires to avoid may dissipate after the highly anticipated Opening Round clash against Carlton but there will be pressure for him to return to the Coleman Medal heights of 2022 and 2023, the latter of which guided the Blues to a preliminary final appearance.
But Swans fans should be confident that will happen. The delivery from the likes of Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner is a game changer – particularly Warner, who had one of the better retention rates for inside 50 entries last season.
Fully healthy and motivated with a change of scenery, Curnow will be firmly in the Coleman Medal conversation again in 2026.