The 2013 season has seen big marks, amazing goals and incredible comebacks. As is the case every year, some of the game’s best highlights have come from the AFL’s ‘Hollywood’ players – the forwards.
As the likes of Riewoldt, Brown and Pavlich move into the twilight of their careers, a young group of exciting forwards have emerged as the next generation of goal-kicking superstars. 12 of the best have been selected in the squad for the Player Association’s inaugural 22under22 team – a side made up of the best young talent in the AFL aged 22 and under. The 12 nominees, all of which have had outstanding 2013 campaigns, ensure the forward line of the 22under22 side will be very well represented.
Jack Darling, Jeremy Cameron and Jack Gunston are not merely the best key forwards aged 22 and under – they’re three of the game’s very best key forwards. Remarkably, Cameron could finish his second AFL season as a Coleman medallist, while Darling has contributed consistently during the last two seasons – averaging more than two goals per game alongside spearhead Josh Kennedy and ruckmen Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui. Gunston plays an even more selfless role at Hawthorn – often dummy-leading high up the ground to make space for Franklin and Roughead – yet has still averaged nearly two goals per game since arriving at the Hawks.
Gunston’s teammate Luke Breust remains one of the AFL’s most underrated players. He leads the league in goal assists this season while averaging more than a goal and a half per game himself. Docker Michael Walters and Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus have played similar roles this year. Walters has kicked goals in every match – aside from the round eight match against Sydney in which he was injured – averaging more than two per game this season. Dahlhaus has averaged more than 16 possessions, four tackles and a goal per game in 2013. His 178cm frame being thrown at opposition defenders attempting to bring the ball out of the Bulldogs’ forward line has been an exciting and familiar sight for Doggies’ supporters this season.
Allen Christensen and Steven Motlop have injected speed and skill into a Geelong forward line that’s seen its fair share of magic in recent seasons. With Steve Johnson moving into the midfield and Paul Chapman injured for most of 2013, the young duo have been given plenty of responsibility in the forward 50. Christensen and Motlop have averaged more than a goal per game each and have provided forward pressure each week.
Port Adelaide’s Chad Wingard and Collingwood’s Jamie Elliot have also made their marks as small forwards this season and, despite standing at just 182 and 177cms respectively, have given their sides an aerial presence. They’ve each averaged more than four marks per game, and have shown an ability to ‘play tall’ when the ball is bombed into the forward line, while maintaining a knack of creating goals when the ball hits the ground.
North Melbourne’s Aaron Black had played just four games prior to the 2013 season, but has become one of the Kangaroos’ best forwards. At 192cm he provides another marking target to assist spearhead Drew Petrie, without making the North forward line too slow and top heavy. Black has averaged just under two goals per game – his highlight of 2013 a five-goal, 17-possession performance against St Kilda in Round 10.
Dustin Martin has been one of Richmond’s big improvers this season; he’s been incredibly consistent – he’s had no fewer than 17 possessions in every game this year – and has learnt how to best utilise his strength, explosiveness and long-kicking.
While each of these young forwards can justifiably lay claim to a spot in the 22under22 team, only seven will be selected. The forwards picked will reflect the fact the future of the game is in good hands. As to which seven are selected? That’s left in your hands. To vote, like the AFLPA page on Facebook and help pick the first ever 22under22 side.