Sam Flanders poses for a photo during St Kilda's official team photo day on January 27, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

HARRY Sheezel is the consensus No.1 forward and likely first pick in most AFL Fantasy Draft leagues, but who comes next?

The North Melbourne star averaged 109.2 last season as his flexibility shone through. An increase in midfield time should see him maintain those numbers, if not improve, and be the runaway top Fantasy forward.

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Christian Petracca and Sam Flanders found new homes in the off-season and coaches will be keen to see Fantasy-friendly roles. Flanders looks to be in the midfield mix at the Saints after spending significant time forward at the Suns.

Many Fantasy pundits have different ideas about when to draft forwards and who will score well. Last season just four players averaged more than 90 with only another 12 in the 80-90 range.

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Midfield roles are generally where we see the higher scores from those who have FWD status.

Izak Rankine and Kysaiah Pickett play a mix of time in the centre and forward of the ball.

Izak Rankine in action during Adelaide's clash against Carlton in round eight, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

In the past we have seen Adam Treloar score highly. It was only two seasons ago that he was the top averaging midfielder when he went at 110 for the season. His injury history is what has drafters cautious even though he could potentially be one of the top forwards.

If you can't lock away one of the top forwards, there appears to be value in later rounds.

Jordan De Goey averaged 52.7 last year, Brent Daniels 47.7 and Charlie Curnow went at 65.8. They should all be moved up your pre-draft ranks if you project them to get back closer to their best.

>>The Traders' Draft Kit will be out soon, featuring deep rankings for each position, stats, tips, a mock draft and plenty more.

Warnie's top 30 forwards

Rank

Player

Club

2025
AVG

2025
GMS

1

Harry Sheezel (MID)

NTH

109.2

23

2

Christian Petracca (MID)

GCS

90.4

23

3

Sam Flanders

STK

68.3

21

4

Gryan Miers

GEE

93.8

21

5

Izak Rankine (MID)

ADE

87.2

22

6

Kysaiah Pickett (MID)

MEL

87.3

20

7

Dylan Moore

HAW

81.8

23

8

Shaun Mannagh

GEE

88.1

20

9

Adam Treloar (MID)

WBD

69.8

4

10

Sam Darcy

WBD

82.2

17

11

Zac Bailey (MID)

BRL

83.5

22

12

Jeremy Cameron

GEE

83.6

23

13

Riley Thilthorpe

ADE

82.9

23

14

Charlie Curnow

SYD

65.8

18

15

Connor Macdonald

HAW

68.0

21

16

Josh Rachele

ADE

62.5

13

17

Jack Graham (MID)

WCE

82.7

18

18

Mattaes Phillipou

STK

35.9

7

19

Jy Simpkin (MID)

NTH

83.1

21

20

Jordan De Goey (MID)

COL

52.7

9

21

Sam Draper (RUCK)

BRL

82.0

5

22

Brent Daniels

GWS

47.7

6

23

Toby Greene

GWS

81.0

21

24

Jack Ginnivan

HAW

75.3

22

25

Joel Freijah (MID)

WBD

71.3

23

26

Sam Lalor

RIC

54.1

11

27

Ben Keays

ADE

79.3

23

28

Bailey Humphrey (MID)

GCS

68.3

21

29

Mason Wood (MID)

STK

68.7

21

30

Darcy Wilson (MID)

STK

63.7

18

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