THEY'RE the target men, the goal machines. Crashing a pack to mark a hopeful long bomb, or turning a flash of opportunity into a brilliant crumbed goal. As part of the AFL.com.au Fan Awards, we want you to choose 2017's best forward. 

The nominees are ...

Eddie Betts

Wherever Eddie goes, astonishment follows. There is almost nothing this man can't do, and he has lost none of his ability this year in another outstanding effort. He has kept intact his title as the best small forward in the sport, and looks set for his third All Australian nod in a row.

Robbie Gray

Gray's ability to be just as dangerous in the forward line as he is in the midfield makes him one of the most valuable players in the competition. The Power star has had another outstanding year, showing he can win games off his own boot with a last-gasp goal against the Saints in round 19.

Lance Franklin

While his accuracy hasn't been as good as many others, it hasn't stopped Franklin from maintaining his position as the most powerful forward in the league. Buddy never fails to excite the fans, and has raked in three Goal of the Week victories this year.

Ben Brown

In the space of a year, this young Tasmanian has gone from an exciting prospect to one of the most damaging forwards in the competition. This season Brown has highlighted his ability to repeatedly kick bags of goals and has earned a reputation as one of the best kicks at goal in the game.

Joe Daniher

Daniher's brilliant year has put him right in the thick of Coleman Medal calculations, and he is still just 23 years old. His outstanding aerial talent has commanded five Mark of the Week nominations (for two wins), while his goal-kicking strength has also yielded one Goal of the Week.

Josh Kennedy

Shooting for his third Coleman Medal in a row, despite missing five matches this season, so few can argue for a more deserving medallist. He is one of few modern-day players who can kick bag after bag of goals, and is an old-fashioned full-forward who simply can't be stopped on his day.

Vote now!

Vote for all this year's winners

Head to the 2017 AFL.com.au Fan Awards to cast your votes. We'll reveal the winners, as chosen by you, ahead of the finals on Thursday, August 31.

Or, you can use these shortcuts for each category:

Footy Personality of the Year

Best Moment

Breakout Player of the Year

Best Defender

Best Midfielder

Best Ruck

Match of the Year

Best Standout Performance

Coach of the Year