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Why Young AFL Key Forwards Are Developing Faster

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Last updated: Thu 05 Feb 2026 08:19

Site Editor 05 Feb 2026

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AFL key forwards are impacting games earlier due to role evolution.
Focus on movement and pressure enhances development over contested marking.
Improved midfield strategies boost young forwards' learning and confidence.

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Why Key Forwards Are Developing Faster Than They Used To

Why Key Forwards Are Developing Faster Than They Used To
How the AFL Key Forward Role Has Changed
Why Young Key Forwards Are Playing Earlier
Better Midfield Supply Is Helping Young Forwards
Why the Old Development Timelines No Longer Apply

Key forwards used to be long-term projects. In today’s AFL, that timeline is clearly shifting.

Young tall forwards are contributing earlier, holding their spot sooner and impacting games without needing to be the finished product. The change is obvious when looking at players like Aaron Cadman, Logan McDonald and even Sam Darcy.

The role hasn’t become easier, it’s become smarter.

How the AFL Key Forward Role Has Changed

Modern key forwards aren’t judged purely on contested marking anymore. Movement, pressure and repeat efforts matter just as much.

Aaron Cadman is a strong example. He isn’t reliant on being the biggest body in the contest. His ability to move, compete and hit the scoreboard in different ways allows him to stay involved even when conditions aren’t ideal.

That versatility accelerates development. Players don’t disappear from games just because they aren’t clunking marks.

Will Aaron Cadman be a Breakout Player in 2026?

Why Young Key Forwards Are Playing Earlier

Clubs are now more comfortable living with inconsistency from young key forwards, as long as the role is being executed.

Sydney’s handling of Logan McDonald reflects this shift. Injuries and form fluctuations haven’t changed the long-term view. The focus remains on growth within the system rather than short-term output.

When young forwards feel trusted, decision-making improves. When they’re constantly worried about being dropped, development stalls.

Better Midfield Supply Is Helping Young Forwards

Another factor speeding up development is improved midfield supply.

Better spacing and cleaner entries mean young forwards aren’t being asked to win impossible contests repeatedly. That allows confidence to build naturally.

Sydney’s midfield depth is a big part of why players like McDonald still project positively. Even without perfect continuity, the opportunity to receive the ball in dangerous positions accelerates learning.

Why the Old Development Timelines No Longer Apply

The idea that key forwards need five years before contributing meaningfully doesn’t hold up anymore.

Sam Darcy is a good example of this shift. Already impactful, already trusted, and still with clear improvement to come. The baseline is higher than it used to be, even if consistency takes time.

Quiet patches now reflect normal growth rather than failure.