The new and the old. In 2021, Adelaide’s Taylor Walker (left) has been kicking goal hauls more reminiscent of Tony Lockett (right)
Over the last few years, the role of key forwards in AFL football has come under increased scrutiny.
In times gone by, the AFL has been the home to some of the most talented forwards of all time, including Gary Ablett, Jason Dunstall, Tony Locket, and many more. However, the magic of goalkicking forwards has somewhat diminished within the game’s modern era.
That said, there’s optimism that 2021 could provide a much-needed spark to revitalise the position. So let’s take a look at what the role’s short-term future has in store.
Demand for change has been answered
Key forwards were arguably at their peak during the 1980s and 90s, but the position’s glamour has faded in recent years. Back in 2018, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson blamed tactical adjustments for the fall of key forwards.
Clarkson said that backmen were “defending the body”, as opposed to the ball. Although he recognised that this was a well-coached strategy, it led him to question what a key forwards’ purpose was under the pre-existing rules.
But those rules have changed again. In his 17th season as Hawthorn coach, Clarkson will be targeting a fifth grand final triumph, though it would be a major surprise were the Hawks to get there this year, already 1-3 this season and as of April 12, a lengthy $101 to end up premiers.
In response to recent criticism the AFL has made some major rule changes, and key forwards are benefiting the most, according to The Guardian.
The newly-implemented rules focus more on countering opposition plays. Although the man-on-the-mark law has received some criticism, there’s a widespread belief that the adjustment could play a pivotal role in creating a more forward-friendly game.
But while rule alterations look likely to aid the position’s revival, some have questioned whether the reason for the recent decline instead relates more to a lack of quality. After all, if Dunstall and Lockett are the benchmarks, existing players would need to play to an all-time-great level to replicate them.
Bringing the fun back to the AFL
As evident from the figures, key forwards are undoubtedly benefiting from the 2021 rule changes. According to Fox Sports, goals per match by key forwards in the first three rounds of the season sat at 8.2. The 2020 total was just 4.8.
Even in 2019, when games were the duration they are again this year, that figure was 6.2. Not only that, but the 2021 figure is the third-highest recorded tally since 2002. The number peaked at 8.8 in 2003, and it sat at 8.4 three years later.
Furthermore, the same report highlights that the percentage of goals kicked by key forwards was at an all-time high since 2002 over the first three rounds. Although there’s still a long way to go before comparing the existing roster with the crop of 1993, the above data showcases that the key forwards’ role is headed in the right direction once again.
The game is being played at a much faster tempo, and few can argue that that doesn’t play into attackers’ hands.
Progress Has Been Made
As touched on above, key forwards aren’t as glamourous as they have been in years gone by, but it’s not through a lack of trying on the AFL’s part. And thus far, it looks as if the 2021 rule changes could spearhead progression regarding modern-day forwards’ effectiveness. That said, patience is required, especially for spectators dreaming of a return to the early-1990s level of goal returns.
