Forwards who lead the pack
Dermie picks his All Australian front men ... and explains why
THERE is a difference between being a good forward with a good forward craft than being a good player who is effective in the forward half of the ground.
Because the way the game is played, there are fast players who can outsprint their opponent back into an open forward line on a fast break and kick goals.
But they are not necessarily good forwards.
In selecting an All Australian forward line — ahead of Round 21 — I have settled on six starting players and one for the interchange who have a natural instinct for playing forward or who have honed their craft over time.
These are players who start ahead of the football, with their back to their own goals, and with at least one closechecking defender glued to their side.
I have settled on two key forwards, two hybrid forwards, two small forwards and a dangerous midfielder/forward.
Tom Lynch, Richmond
Unlike many others I thought Lynch had played well at almost all times this season. Even when his numbers looked low, he was performing a selfless role for his new team. With Riewoldt back as a similar key target, Lynch has been afforded more freedom to move into dangerous areas.
Jeremy Cameron, GWS
The league’s top goal scorer so far this year is having another good season. He has added another layer to his bag of tricks — he has taken some big contested pack marks and he is the best in the competition at marking on the lead. Cameron has developed into a good, hard lead-up key forward who jumps into packs.
Jack Darling, WCE
Darling has been everything in every facet of the game for the Eagles this season. His contested possession count is through the roof, almost doubling his uncontested possession count. His contested marking tally is in the league’s top 10. It is also difficult to envisage any other mobile key forward who tackles as hard as Darling.
Jordan De Goey, Collingwood
Jordy is a star with X-factor. He possesses grace, tricks and power. His ability on the ground is insane because of his huge core strength. While marking overhead he can body out an opponent or sit on their back. And he’s also a real crowd puller.
Michael Walters, Fremantle
He is a pleasure to watch. He moves sideways to evade tacklers quicker than most others can run in a straight line. He has pace, he has a vertical leap, he has wonderful balance, he has great hands and a delightful kicking action — and he has had one of the best seasons as a small forward and an on-baller.
Charlie Cameron, Brisbane
Cameron wins plenty of the ball with his electric ability to accelerate from zero to 100. And he has kicked 41 goals as a small forward. In fact he is the only small forward inside the top 10 goalkickers. He is not a noted tackler, but he will use his pace to pressure the opposition into error.
Gary Ablett, Geelong
Another great year from the little master. He has, like his team, gone a tad quieter lately, but the body of his work this season should not be underestimated. He has kicked goals, he has set them up and he has reminded us just how beautifully capable he is with the ball in his hands. On top of him helping the Cats rank No.1 for goals scored this season, he has also clocked up more than 350 possessions. His body seems more capable this year than in recent times.