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Sport Nation
The seven emerging forwards who could go to the next level in 2025
SEN • January 31st, 2025 6:44 pm
Which emerging players could go to the next level as a forward in 2025?
We’re looking at those who have played less than 100 AFL games (or the equivalent of around five seasons) and have the scope to step up as an attacking player.
It can be a key position forward, a hybrid high half-forward/midfield type, a small goal-kicking asset or a third tall who floats around forward 50.
See our seven picks below:
Shannon Neale (Geelong)
Shannon Neale got a taste of life post Tom Hawkins in 2024, but that is now the reality going forward – can he take the opportunity and run with it?
Neale kicked 23 goals from 15 games last season, and kicked one in every game he played (except the Preliminary Final).
Standing at 203cm and over 100kg, the 22-year-old feels like the perfect Hawkins replacement and will likely fit into a similar role, allowing Jeremy Cameron to continue doing what he’s done best at the Cats.
Expect Neale to comfortably push towards 30-40 goals next season with a full year and another pre-season under his belt.
Nic Negrepontis
Riley Thilthorpe (Adelaide)
2025 feels like the year it all comes together for Riley Thilthorpe. Is there a more obvious breakout candidate in the competition?
After a serious injury derailed the start of his 2024 season, the 22-year-old returned in Round 18 looking like a different man, having bulked up … and grown a beard. He kicked 15 goals in seven games, to go with six goal assists.
If he can get a full pre-season into his legs then there is no doubt he will be the focal point of Adelaide’s forward 50 in 2025. The sky is the limit.
A former No.2 draft pick coming into his fifth season with injury issues behind him and confidence he belongs at the level – Thilthorpe ticks every breakout candidate box.
Nic Negrepontis
Ollie Lord (Port Adelaide)
Ollie Lord was tipped by many to go to the next level after kicking four goals in the 2023 Qualifying Final loss to Brisbane.
While he proved he could perform on the big stage, the Power tall never got going in 2024 as his season was interrupted by a broken leg.
But with Todd Marshall sidelined after rupturing his Achilles and Charlie Dixon now retired, the keys could be handed over to Lord in 2025, and if he remains fit, there’s absolutely no doubt he could be a huge piece for the Power this season.
If his impact can match the role somewhat forced on him at Alberton, he will have well and truly gone to a new level.
Lachlan Geleit
Aaron Cadman (GWS)
The 2022 No.1 pick took a decent step forward in his second season, kicking 30 goals for the year across 23 games.
That average of 1.3 majors a game was a clear jump from the 0.5 in his rookie season, but you feel like there’s a similar jump left in the talented youngster this year as he enters season three.
Cadman has the athleticism and ability to easily average two goals a game in 2025 - a season he will enter as a 21-year-old.
He has all of the hallmarks of a future star, and we might see that turn into a reality quicker than many expect with a 40+ goal campaign on the cards in 2025.
Lachlan Geleit
Kai Lohmann (Brisbane)
Excitement machine Kai Lohmann truly broke out last year as the Lions claimed the flag.
He played all 27 games (thrice as the sub) and kicked 36 goals which ranked third at the club in a premiership year.
Lohmann showed the true extent of his ability in the thumping Grand Final win over Sydney with four goals and a goal assist from 15 touches. He was hard to contain on the biggest stage.
Present in his game are flair, skill, dare and creativity as well as increasing substance through hard work and his desire to tackle inside forward 50.
With more games under his belt in 2025, Lohmann could reach new heights if he takes on more responsibility as he grows and matures in his fourth year in the system.
Andrew Slevison
Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs)
This kid could be anything.
Sam Darcy has the footy world at his feet and the time is now for him to step right up.
The 21-year-old booted 38 goals in 21 games last year, second at the Dogs behind Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s 43, and you get the feeling he will have even more of a say as he continues to mature and fill out.
He’s now in his fourth year as an AFL player and while we cannot expect absolutely everything from him every single week, he should be featuring prominently as the main attacking target for the Doggies in 2025.
If the Dogs are to contend this season Darcy would probably have to increase his goals output to 50-plus which he is entirely capable of.
Andrew Slevison
Jacob Van Rooyen (Melbourne)
Jacob Van Rooyen’s development has been going to plan perfectly for the Demons.
The 2021 draftee has put together two very solid seasons for a fledgling forward, returning 28 and 30 goals in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The Dees have been crying out for a decent key forward for a while and Van Rooyen seems to be that man now that he is ready.
He is capable of increasing his scoring power to 45-plus goals and is the player to grab control of the Melbourne forward line as the club looks to rebound in 2025.
Andrew Slevison
