AN EASY measure of the best forward lines in the competition would be to look simply at the 'points scored' column against every club. But in ranking the best attacks club-by-club, we had to dig a little deeper than that.

Of course, a club's average score is a reasonably accurate representation of how successful its forward line is. But when looking ahead, there are other things to take into account.

Who has left the club since last season, and who has joined? Who looks set to step up a cog or two, and who might have left his best form in the past?

The clubs at the top of this list almost picked themselves, such was the wealth of talent and strength of depth available to them inside 50. Similarly, the teams at the bottom were reasonably easy to slot in given some of the rebuilding going on at respective clubs.

Placing the clubs in the middle might have been the most difficult task ahead of what shapes as an enthralling 2017 season.

1. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

B: Heath Shaw, Aidan Corr, Zac Williams

HB: Nathan Wilson, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes

C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly

HF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Brett Deledio

F: Rory Lobb, Jonathon Patton, Steve Johnson

Foll: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio

I/C: Devon Smith, Lachie Whitfield, Jacob Hopper, Ryan Griffen

Depth

Midfield: Matt de Boer, Tom Downie, Matthew Flynn, Matthew Kennedy, Tendai Mzungu, Harry Perryman, Will Setterfield, Dawson Simpson, Tim Taranto

Forwards: Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid, Lachlan Tiziani, Zach Sproule

Defenders: Matt Buntine, Isaac Cumming, Jeremy Finlayson, Harrison Himmelberg, Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Joel Patfull, Jake Stein

The Giants' forward line is, quite frankly, absurd. Four of the front six have been All Australian, Jonathon Patton was the No.1 selection in 2011 and Rory Lobb ranked third for contested marks per game last year. GWS was the second-highest scoring team in 2016 and with the class of Brett Deledio coming into the team, the side will be even more potent. Devon Smith's elite defensive pressure and liveliness around goal means he will continue to be an important player for the Giants.

The Giants have built a very dangerous forward line. Picture: AFL Photos

2. ADELAIDE

B: Luke Brown, Kyle Hartigan, Jake Lever

HB: Rory Laird, Daniel Talia, Brodie Smith

C: Rory Atkins, Brad Crouch, Charlie Cameron

HF: Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas

F: Mitch McGovern, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch

I/C: Kyle Cheney, Riley Knight, Wayne Milera, Scott Thompson

Depth

Midfield: Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Jordan Gallucci, Dean Gore, Hugh Greenwood, Curtly Hampton, Paul Hunter, David Mackay, Reilly O'Brien, Myles Poholke, Paul Seedsman, Matt Signorello, Harrison Wigg

Forwards: Jonathan Beech, Ben Davis, Harry Dear, Ben Jarman, Troy Menzel

Defenders: Tom Doedee, Elliott Himmelberg, Alex Keath, Jake Kelly, Andy Otten

The Crows ranked No.1 for scoring last year and it's not hard to see why. Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch and Eddie Betts were nominated in the All Australian squad of 40. That trio isn't a bad place to start but Taylor Walker is probably the best player of the lot, having long established himself as one of the absolute gun key forwards in the competition. Mitch McGovern has already shown plenty of aerial prowess despite only having been in the AFL for two years. If the Crows can harness Troy Menzel's talent they will become even more dangerous.

3. WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Dale Morris, Marcus Adams, Matthew Boyd

HB: Robert Murphy, Easton Wood, Jason Johannisen

C: Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae

HF: Caleb Daniel, Travis Cloke, Stewart Crameri

F: Jake Stringer, Tom Boyd, Tory Dickson

Foll: Jordan Roughead, Tom Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus

I/C: Liam Picken, Clay Smith, Shane Biggs, Bailey Williams



Depth

Midfield: Tom Campbell, Bailey Dale, Tim English, Declan Hamilton, Lin Jong, Matthew Suckling, Mitch Wallis

Forwards: Josh Dunkley, Fergus Greene, Mitch Honeychurch, Patrick Lipinski, Toby McLean, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Jack Redpath, Tristan Tweedie, Lewis Young

Defenders: Kieren Collins, Zaine Cordy, Bradley Lynch, Josh Prudden, Fletcher Roberts, Roarke Smith, Lukas Webb

The premiers are set to add Stewart Crameri and Travis Cloke to their forward line. Combine that with the improvement Tom Boyd showed in last year's finals series and the expected bounce back in form from 2015 All Australian Jake Stringer and the Bulldogs should be very potent in attack. Tory Dickson isn't fashionable but he has booted 90 goals over the past two years and takes advantage of his opportunities. Improvement should come in Caleb Daniel's third season, and he is among a number of Dogs who can play either up forward or through the middle.

4. HAWTHORN

B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Kaiden Brand

HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne

C: Isaac Smith, Tom Mitchell, Billy Hartung

HF: Cyril Rioli, Ty Vickery, Luke Hodge

F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels, Jaeger O'Meara

I/C: Paul Puopolo, Ryan Burton, James Sicily, Josh Gibson

Depth

Midfield: Brendan Whitecross, Will Langford, Jonathan O'Rourke, Kieran Lovell, Kade Stewart, Marc Pittonet, Dallas Willsmore, Jonathan Ceglar, Oliver Hanrahan, James Cousins

Forwards: Ryan Schoenmakers, Tim O'Brien, Blake Hardwick, Mitchell Lewis, Jack Fitzpatrick, Conor Nash

Defenders: Daniel Howe, Ricky Henderson, Kurt Heatherley, Conor Glass, Teia Miles, Harry Morrison, Luke Surman



In 2012-15, the Hawks were the highest-scoring team in the competition and based on talent, they could again finish in that slot. However, there are some variable factors. Jarryd Roughead is an absolute star when up and running but how he responds after a year out of the game is unknown. Ty Vickery was dropped twice by Richmond last year but he is expected to fill the hole David Hale left after retiring at the end of 2015 as a three-time premiership player. Regardless, with Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston and Luke Breust in attack, Hawthorn will again be able to pile on goals.

5. WEST COAST

B: Brad Sheppard, Tom Barrass, Will Schofield

HB: Sharrod Wellingham, Jeremy McGovern, Shannon Hurn

C: Lewis Jetta, Sam Mitchell, Andrew Gaff

HF: Elliott Yeo, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras

F: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill

Foll: Scott Lycett, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey

I/C: Dom Sheed, Sam Butler, Chris Masten, Nathan Vardy

Depth

Midfield: Liam Duggan, Jonathan Giles, Mark Hutchings, Kurt Mutimer, Nic Naitanui, Luke Partington, Jack Redden, Jordan Snadden, Daniel Venables

Forwards: Matthew Allen, Tarir Bayok, Malcolm Karpany, Tom Lamb, Fraser McInnes, Drew Petrie, Willie Rioli, Simon Tunbridge, Jake Waterman

Defenders: Paddy Brophy, Tom Cole, Tom Gorter, Eric Mackenzie, Jackson Nelson, Josh Rotham, Francis Watson

Any forward line containing two-time reigning Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy is sure to be potent. He can find the ball in the air or on the ground, his tackling is excellent and he leads a team that finished in the top five for scoring in each of the past three years. Jack Darling works well as a foil and his smarts make him a very valuable player. Mark LeCras was inconsistent at times last year but he finished with 38 goals. Josh Hill and Jamie Cripps both averaged more than a goal a game while Elliot Yeo wasn't far off that mark.

6. SYDNEY

B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe

HB: Callum Mills, Aliir Aliir, Jarrad McVeigh

C: Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Jake Lloyd

HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Gary Rohan

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Callum Sinclair

Foll: Kurt Tippett, Josh Kennedy, Isaac Heeney

I/C: Zak Jones, Daniel Robinson, Dean Towers, Oliver Florent

Depth

Midfield: Harry Cunningham, Shaun Edwards, Robbie Fox, Jordan Foote, Brandon Jack, Tyrone Leonardis, Sam Naismith, Ben Ronke

Forwards: Darcy Cameron, Jordan Dawson, Sam Fisher, Will Hayward, George Hewett, Sam Murray, Toby Pink, James Rose

Defenders: Alex Johnson, Jeremy Laidler, Jack Maibaum, Harrison Marsh, Lewis Melican, Nic Newman, Colin O’Riordan, Michael Talia

Let's start with Lance Franklin. He is the biggest superstar in the game and helped lead Sydney to be the fourth-highest scoring side in 2016. Franklin's marking has improved in recent years and him running back into the forward line is just about the hardest thing to defend in the AFL. Sam Reid didn't play last year after struggling with injuries but he will be a more than useful addition if he can find his best form. Kurt Tippett and Isaac Heeney can push into the forward line and be dangerous marking targets.

Lance 'Buddy' Franklin is the biggest name in the game. Picture: AFL Photos

7. GEELONG

B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Lonergan, Jed Bews

HB: Zach Tuohy, Harry Taylor, Jackson Thurlow

C: Mitch Duncan,Cam Guthrie, Steven Motlop

HF: Daniel Menzel, Lachie Henderson, Lincoln McCarthy

F: Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Hawkins, Scott Selwood

Foll: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood

I/C: Sam Menegola, Andrew Mackie, Mark Blicavs, Josh Cowan

Depth

Midfield: Rhys Stanley, George Horlin-Smith, Esava Ratugolea, Jordan Murdoch, James Parsons, Darcy Lang, Jordan Cunico, Ryan Abbott, Matthew Hayball, Sam Simpson, Jack Henry

Forwards: Brandan Parfitt, Quinton Narkle, Jamaine Jones, Aaron Black, Wylie Buzza, Cory Gregson

Defenders: Tom Ruggles, Tom Stewart, Zach Guthrie, Timm House, Ryan Gardner, Mark O'Connor

Although the Cats were the third highest scoring team in 2016, their midfield failed at times to connect with the forwards. They still lack a natural crumbing, goalkicking forward but Nakia Cockatoo can become dangerous deep with Tom Hawkins creating a contest and both Daniel Menzel and Lachie Henderson being lead-up forwards. Scott Selwood and Lincoln McCarthy are similarly defensive, tackling types but forward lines will need someone to dampen running half-backs this season and Selwood shapes as that man. Steve Motlop kicked 38 goals but he's more valuable up the ground while Patrick Dangerfield might drift forward occasionally.

8. PORT ADELAIDE

B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Jonas, Jasper Pittard

HB: Hamish Hartlett, Jack Hombsch, Matthew Broadbent

C: Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines, Jared Polec

HF: Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff, Aaron Young

F: Jarman Impey, Charlie Dixon, Jackson Trengove

Foll: Patrick Ryder, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray

I/C: Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Krakouer, Sam Powell-Pepper, Matthew White

Depth

Midfield: Karl Amon, Joe Atley, Willem Drew, Billy Frampton, Sam Gray, Cameron Hewett, Dougal Howard, Emmanuel Irra, Matthew Lobbe, Peter Ladhams, Jimmy Toumpas, Will Snelling

Forwards: Brett Eddy, Dan Houston, Aidyn Johnson, Todd Marshall, Angus Monfries, Jake Neade, Jesse Palmer

Defenders: Logan Austin, Riley Bonner, Tom Clurey, Jarrod Lienert

Chad Wingard is one of the game's best forwards so anytime he is near the ball inside 50 defenders are on high alert. He kicked 38 goals last season without being near his best. Wingard needs to gel with Charlie Dixon who must deliver soon or will earn the 'overrated' tag. Jarman Impey and Aaron Young are clever and handy while Justin Westhoff is a wily customer. Jackson Trengove pinch-hits as a third ruck but it could be argued his presence unbalances the forward line while Robbie Gray is a star close to goal who can be pushed forward.

9. ST KILDA

B: Dylan Roberton, Nathan Brown, Jarryn Geary

HB: Leigh Montagna, Jake Carlisle, Sean Dempster

C: Nick Riewoldt, David Armitage, Jack Newnes

HF: Jack Billings, Josh Bruce, Maverick Weller

F: Tim Membrey, Paddy McCartin, Jade Gresham

Foll: Tom Hickey, Seb Ross, Jack Steven

I/C: Blake Acres, Luke Dunstan, Sam Gilbert, Shane Savage



Depth

Midfield: Koby Stevens, Jack Steele, Nathan Freeman, Billy Longer, Jason Holmes, Edward Phillips, Nicholas O'Kearney

Forwards: Nathan Wright, Darren Minchington, Jack Sinclair, Jack Lonie, Josh Battle, Ben Long, Lewis Pierce, Rowan Marshall

Defenders: Jimmy Webster, Daniel McKenzie, Brandon White, Hugh Goddard, Bailey Rice, Nicholas Coughlan, Ray Connellan, Darragh Joyce

A lot to like about this young, emerging forward line as it appears balanced, talented and hard working. None of the six players have kicked 100 career goals yet but the oldest among them is Maverick Weller who reached 24 just ahead of Josh Bruce. Tim Membrey was a sharpshooter last season with 44 goals and Bruce has had two good seasons up forward. The sky is the limit for Jack Billings while Jade Gresham oozes talent. Paddy McCartin showed he has strong hands and is courageous. If he gets fit, this Saints forward line could race up the rankings by season's end.

10. GOLD COAST

B: Trent McKenzie, Steven May, Adam Saad

HB: Kade Kolodjashnij Rory Thompson, Jarrod Harbrow

C: Pearce Hanley, Touk Miller, Alex Sexton

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Tom Lynch, Jack Martin

F: Callum Ah Chee, Peter Wright, Sam Day

Foll: Jarrod Witts, Gary Ablett, David Swallow

I/C: Jarryd Lyons, Jack Bowes, Aaron Hall, Jesse Lonergan

Depth

Midfield: Michael Barlow, Michael Rischitelli, Matt Rosa, Brayden Fiorini, Mitch Hallahan, Daniel Currie, Tom Nicholls, Matt Shaw, Mackenzie Willis, Josh Schoenfeld, Will Brodie, Brad Scheer

Forwards: Jarrad Grant, Brandon Matera, Ryan Davis, Darcy Macpherson, Cameron Loersch

Defenders: Jack Leslie, Sean Lemmens, Jesse Joyce, Jack Scrimshaw, Keegan Brooksby, Max Spencer

Another forward line with enormous upside as it contains the game's best young key forward, Tom Lynch, and scarily talented smalls. Callum Ah Chee is elusive and improving while Jack Martin is ready to burst into the spotlight. Ben Ainsworth is a goalkicker heading into his first season but the high half-forward role suits him perfectly. Peter Wright is as exciting as any 20-year-old tall and will be full of confidence after 27 goals while Sam Day can be a bustling handful. If the ball is delivered well, good luck to opponents without three quality tall defenders. With Brandon Matera, Jarrad Grant and Ryan Davis not able to find a spot, it's clear the club has depth inside 50 heading into 2017.

11. FREMANTLE

B: Tommy Sheridan, Joel Hamling, Lee Spurr

HB: Michael Johnson, Alex Pearce, Garrick Ibbotson

C: Bradley Hill, Lachie Neale, Stephen Hill

HF: Harley Bennell, Cam McCarthy, Danyle Pearce

F: Michael Walters, Michael Apeness, Hayden Ballantyne

Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy

I/C: Lachie Weller, Connor Blakely, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker

Depth

Midfield: Harley Balic, Zac Clarke, Sean Darcy, Jon Griffin, Ed Langdon, Nick Suban, Josh Deluca

Forwards: Brennan Cox, Hayden Crozier, Shane Kersten, Matt Taberner, Luke Strnadica

Defenders: Sam Collins, Zac Dawson, Ethan Hughes, Luke Ryan, Cam Sutcliffe, Taylin Duman, Brady Grey, Ryan Nyhuis, Matthew Uebergang

With no Matthew Pavlich for the first time since 2000, the Dockers have put together a forward line that looks reasonable on paper. Michael Walters is a star but he only needed 36 goals to lead the club's goalkicking last season. The Dockers need Hayden Ballantyne back to his best to create real havoc. Cam McCarthy will take time but he is smart, kicks well and will create a contest while Harley Bennell – who like McCarthy did not play a game in 2016 – is exciting, classy and dangerous. Michael Apeness is a developing player and will compete with Shane Kersten who would be unlucky not to play more often than not while Lachie Weller could take Danyle Pearce's spot if he doesn't fire.

Can Cam McCarthy be Fremantle's saviour? Picture: AFL Photos

12. MELBOURNE

B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Michael Hibberd

HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Christian Salem

C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Billy Stretch

HF: Dean Kent, Sam Weideman, Christian Petracca

F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jack Watts

R: Max Gawn, Jordan Lewis, Jack Viney

I/C: Jake Melksham, Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Bernie Vince

Depth

Midfielders: Alex Neal-Bullen, James Harmes, Jake Spencer, Mitch King, Jack Trengove, Aaron vandenBerg, Pat McKenna, Lachlan Filipovic

Forwards: Liam Hulett, Dion Johnstone, Mitch Hannan, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Cameron Pedersen, Declan Keilty, Joel Smith, Tim Smith, Corey Maynard, Ben Kennedy

Defenders: Sam Frost, Tom Bugg, Josh Wagner, Mitch White, Colin Garland

A young, exciting forward line that oozes class, it could become one of the game's best in a few years. Jesse Hogan will have learned from last season and he will enjoy being free of contract speculation and being on the end of better entries with Jordan Lewis in the midfield. Jack Watts proved he is a talented third forward kicking 38 goals last season while Jeff Garlett buzzes around. He heads into a make-or-break year but 35 goals from him would be handy. Christian Petracca might be biding time before he heads into the midfield but he and Dean Kent are both bustling, bull-at-a-gate high half-forwards who can outmuscle and outrun many defenders. Sam Weideman will take time but he knows how to find space to use his strengths.

13. NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Sam Wright, Robbie Tarrant, Marley Williams

HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Luke McDonald

C: Jamie Macmillan, Jack Ziebell, Sam Gibson

HF: Shaun Higgins, Ben Brown, Mason Wood

F: Majak Daw, Jarrad Waite, Lindsay Thomas

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow

I/C: Ryan Clarke, Ben Jacobs, Trent Dumont, Nathan Hrovat

Depth

Midfield: Paul Ahern, Jed Anderson, Will Fordham, Tom Jeffries, Oscar Junker, Declan Mountford, Braydon Preuss, Josh Williams

Forwards: Sam Durdin, Taylor Garner, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Jy Simpkin, Kayne Turner, Corey Wagner, Cameron Zurhaar

Defenders: Lachlan Hansen, Mitch Hibberd, Aaron Mullett, Daniel Nielson, Matthew Taylor, Ed Vickers-Willis, Declan Watson

We might be judging the Roos' forwards a touch harshly here, given they have managed to kick winning scores for the past two seasons to steer North into the finals. But with Drew Petrie and Brent Harvey gone, the North attack does have fewer options, which means more will be asked of Jarrad Waite as the forward focal point. But if Mason Wood can continue his exciting development and a more consistent run at things brings out Majak Daw's talent on a more regular basis, then North still looks dangerous close to goal. Lindsay Thomas and Shaun Higgins bring class to North's attack, while Ben Brown has been a consistent marking target in his three years at the club.

14. RICHMOND

B: Kamdyn McIntosh, Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes

HB: Bachar Houli, David Astbury, Nick Vlastuin

C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis

HF: Josh Caddy, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards

F: Daniel Rioli, Ben Griffiths, Sam Lloyd

Foll: Shaun Hampson, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia

I/C: Anthony Miles, Corey Ellis, Connor Menadue, Jayden Short

Depth

Midfield: Reece Conca, Kane Lambert, Toby Nankervis, Jack Graham, Taylor Hunt, Ivan Maric, Jacob Townsend, Ivan Soldo

Forwards: Ben Lennon, Shai Bolton, Daniel Butler, Mabior Chol, Callum Moore, Tyson Stengle

Defenders: Jake Batchelor, Oleg Markov, Steven Morris, Nathan Broad, Nathan Drummond, Todd Elton, Ryan Garthwaite, Jason Castagna

Richmond ranked fourth-last for points scored last year when it finished 13th on the ladder. The Tigers brought in some valuable players at the trade table, including Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia, who could free up Dustin Martin to spend more time in attack. But there isn't much back-up for tall forwards Jack Riewoldt and Ben Griffiths. Griffiths has also never kicked more than 14 goals in a season (which he booted in 2016) so the Tigers will be keen for a better haul from the 25-year-old in 2017. This season presents as a good chance for first-round pick Ben Lennon to break into the Tigers' forward line and make a spot his own. He would bring a layer of polish to what they already have down there.

15. COLLINGWOOD



B: Tyson Goldsack, Lynden Dunn, Ben Sinclair

HB: Jeremy Howe, Ben Reid, Brayden Maynard

C: Daniel Wells, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom

HF: Chris Mayne, Jesse White, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams

I/C: Travis Varcoe, Jack Crisp, Josh Smith, James Aish



Depth

Midfield: Levi Greenwood, Jordan De Goey, Tom Phillips, Rupert Wills, Josh Thomas, Callum Brown, Max Lynch, Brayden Sier

Forwards: Jarryd Blair, Mason Cox, Ben Crocker, Tim Broomhead, Josh Daicos, Kayle Kirby

Defenders:Tom Langdon, Jackson Ramsay, Matt Scharenberg, Adam Oxley, Lachlan Keeffe, Henry Schade, Sam McLarty, Liam Mackie, Mitch McCarthy

The Pies will be banking on powerful small forward Jamie Elliott returning to the field next season after a back injury ruled him out of 2016. Elliott kicked more than 30 goals in the three seasons prior to this year, and his absence was sorely felt by the Pies. With Travis Cloke off to the Western Bulldogs, the Pies' key position forward depth has been tested and plenty will be asked of Darcy Moore to continue his development as one of the most exciting young talls in the competition. Collingwood will hope recruits Chris Mayne and Will Hoskin-Elliott can bolster its forward set-up.

16. ESSENDON

B: Mark Baguley, Michael Hartley, Matt Dea

HB: David Myers, Michael Hurley, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

C: Darcy Parish, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard

HF: Travis Colyer, Cale Hooker, Kyle Langford

F: David Zaharakis, Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia

Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell

I/C: Tom Bellchambers, Jayden Laverde, Brent Stanton, Andrew McGrath

Depth

Midfield: Craig Bird, Alex Morgan, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett, Dylan Clarke, Kobe Mutch, Sam Draper

Forwards: Yestin Eades, Shaun McKernan, Jackson Merrett, Mason Redman, Jake Long, Conor McKenna, Josh Green, James Stewart, Josh Begley

Defenders: James Kelly, Martin Gleeson, Aaron Francis, Mitch Brown, Patrick Ambrose, Jordan Ridley, Ben McNiece

Essendon was the lowest-scoring side of 2016, averaging just nine goals a game. But the Bombers' struggles to score can't just be pinned on the absence of their suspended players, as they only averaged 10 goals a game in 2015 and 12 a game in 2014. Their method of bringing the ball into attack in recent seasons has been inconsistent and wasteful, making scoring near on impossible at times. The return of Cale Hooker will help, especially if he plays across centre half-forward, while they recruited Josh Green and James Stewart for forward depth. On paper the Bombers' forward line looks much stronger this year but they'll need to start scoring to get up the ladder.

The Bombers can't wait to have Cale Hooker back in their forward line. Picture: AFL Photos

17. BRISBANE LIONS

B: Darcy Gardiner, Jack Frost, Ryan Harwood

HB: Tom Cutler, Harris Andrews, Claye Beams

C: Rohan Bewick, Dayne Beams, Tom Bell

HF: Allen Christensen, Dan McStay, Sam Mayes

F: Lewy Taylor, Josh Schache, Eric Hipwood

Foll: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Zorko

I/C: Daniel Rich, Mitch Robinson, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh McCluggage

Depth

Midfield: Ben Keays, Ryan Bastinac, Jarrad Jansen, Nick Robertson, Josh Clayton, Ryan Lester, Jarrod Berry, Cedric Cox, Jacob Allison, Archie Smith, Corey Lyons, Cian Hanley, Blake Grewar, Matt Eagles, Jake Barrett, Oscar McInerney

Forwards: Josh Walker, Michael Close, Jono Freeman

Defenders: Marco Paparone, Liam Dawson, Sam Skinner, Alex Witherden, Matthew Hammelmann, Reuben William, Mitchell Hinge

The Lions' forward line is shaping as something exciting in coming years. But right now it's still slim on depth and featuring a number of skinny youngsters. Plenty of reliance will be heaped on the developing shoulders of Josh Schache in just his second AFL season, while Dan McStay and Eric Hipwood have talent but will also take time. The Lions will be hoping Allen Christensen can maintain his hot summer form and get back to his best footy, because he would add some zest to their goalkicking mix if fit, and Sam Mayes' skill level is also important across half-forward.

18. CARLTON

B: Simon White, Sam Rowe, Lachie Plowman

HB: Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty

C: Dale Thomas, Bryce Gibbs, Sam Kerridge

HF: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Matthew Wright

F: Charlie Curnow, Levi Casboult, Dennis Armfield

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy

I/C: Ed Curnow, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Andrew Phillips, Caleb Marchbank

Depth

Midfield: Blaine Boekhorst, David Cuningham, Zac Fisher, Daniel Gorringe, Nick Graham, Matt Korcheck, Rhys Palmer, Cameron Polson, Tom Williamson

Forwards: Andrew Gallucci, Liam Jones, Jed Lamb, Kym Lebois, Harrison Macreadie, Jarrod Pickett, Pat Kerr, Liam Sumner

Defenders: Dylan Buckley, Ciaran Byrne, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Kristian Jaksch, Ciaran Sheehan, Alex Silvagni, Billie Smedts

It's easy to see why there are genuine questions about how Carlton will kick goals this season. Former Crow Matthew Wright led the club's goalkicking last year with 22 goals, and they'll be leaning on some underdeveloped key forwards to head the attack in 2017. Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow are all talented, but are not yet at the stage of their respective careers where they can be asked to produce regular goals for a bottom-end side. Former Giant Jarrod Pickett may come into the Blues' line-up at some stage and offer some spark and creativity around goal.