Love them or hate them, small forwards are the most exciting group of players in Australian football.

With Betts, Rioli, Wingard, Johnson and co all creating havoc for their opposition each week, it’s a golden era for the little fellas. But who are the best of them?

cookie33:

1.Eddie Betts – unbelievable ability to create chances, his forward nous is unbelievble and whilst he doesn’t have the defensive aspects that’s Cyril has he has the freakish ability to kick goals in bunches

2. Cyril Rioli – could easily be number 1, it’s unbelievable that some believe he is overated. His ability to kick goals, create turnovers and goal assists is freakishly good. He now moves into the centre for the Hawks as a clearance specialist.

3. Chad Wingard – his season hasn’t reached brilliant heights but he is still on track for 40+ goals. Averages 16 touches a game and is the highest ranking goal assist small forward in the league. Genuine freak

4. Luke Bruest – 29 goals, 7th in the league and will crack 50 easily. averages 8 contested possessions a games which is huge for a small forward. Strong in the air, stronger through the hips and fend off is 2nd to Dusty only. Hard to argue against him for the past 5 years.

5. Steve Johnson – hasn’t this guy wound back the clock? On track for 50 goals this year and adds 20 touches a game. Only reason he isn’t higher is his refusal apply defensive pressure, 1 tackle a game inside 50 isnt great everything offensive he does is elite.

Barlow#14:

Betts by a bees dick.

Avg.. D, G, B, T, CP, Cl.

Betts: 14, 2.5, 1.4, 3.9, 7.4, 1.5
Rioli: 13, 2.1, 0.4, 6.7, 7.6, 2.1
Wingard: 16, 2.1, 1.2, 2.8, 7.5, 1.1
Bruest: 16, 2.2, 1.3, 3.7, 8.3, 1.7
Walters: 18, 1.9, 1.2, 3.7, 7, 2.1

Upgrayedd:

T Greene
C Rioli
E Betts
M Walters
P Puopolo

Tyler Hodges:

Traditional crumbling small forwards- Betts, Breust, Wingard
Pressure small forwards- Rioli, Puopolo
Small fwd/mid accumulators- Greene, Walters.
R.Gray is unique as he is predominantly a mid who can act as a part time FF. Great player and along with gunston is probably the most unique, hard to match up on forward utility.

Who are your Top 5? Have your say in the forum here.