When it comes to AFL GDS, your forward line can either make you a fantasy king or leave you scratching your head in frustration. Picking forwards who are not only consistent but also have the potential to break out can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. As the 2025 AFL preseason kicks off, we’ve compiled a list of forwards to keep an eye on in your preseason fantasy preparations. Whether you’re targeting breakout stars, dependable scorers, or sneaky sleepers, we’ve got a little bit of everything for you. Today we look at the key forwards for success in GameDay Squad in 2025.
Let’s start with the easy ones. If you’re not considering these players, well, you might need to reconsider your whole approach. Head here if you want to know more about Gamedays Squad.
The Big 3:
Bailey Smith
If there’s one player you can count on this season, it’s Bailey Smith. Coming off an impressive 2023 campaign where he averaged 96 GDS points, Smith has been the talk of the preseason after not playing a game in 2024 and being traded to Geelong. With a reliable role, strong form, and the potential for high minutes, he’s a lock to be in your forward line from Round 1.
Jason Horne-Francis (JHF)
Call it a no-brainer, but JHF has a pedigree that can’t be ignored. Having scored a career-best average of 110 GDS points, he’s a consistent and reliable option. With high scoring potential and an eye for the goals, there’s no real reason to leave him out of your lineup.
Dylan Moore
Another must-have, Dylan Moore has been firing on all cylinders over the last few years, averaging 108 GDS points in 2024. With a fitness level that makes other players look like they’ve just been out for a jog, Moore is primed for a huge year. Expect him to be a steady source of points all season long.
Good but Not Guaranteed:
Now, let’s talk about the competitive forwards – those who are good but not necessarily guaranteed to be GDS gold. These players have the potential to provide value, but you’ll need to monitor them throughout the preseason to see if they live up to the hype.
Brent Daniels
Brent Daniels has shown glimpses of brilliance with an average of 100 GDS points in 2024, but there’s one little issue: consistency. One game he looks like a star, and the next, he can’t get a kick. If he can overcome his consistency issues, he could become a fantasy weapon, but don’t hold your breath just yet.
Mattaes Philippou
It has been reported that he has a femoral stress fracture and will miss 3+ months, But if he recovers well watch him come mid season. You man have heard the whispers prior to this– this could be the breakout season. Coming off a GDS average of 74 and set for more midfield minutes, this kid has all the elements to become a star. However, St Kilda kept his role constantly changing throughout 2024. Once he got the freedom to play in the back half of the year, he dominated. If he stays healthy and gets a stable role, he could surprise a lot of people.
Jack Macrae
An interesting one for sure. Macrae has been a rockstar in the past, easily a first-picked player, but his scoring has faded under our favourite coach Bevo. Now at St Kilda, Macrae is one to monitor, especially if he lands a consistent role. With a GDS average of 80 last year at the Bulldogs, don’t be surprised to see a big jump if his role aligns. A strong preseason could make him a player to watch.
Hidden Gems:
Now, let’s get to the fun part – the players that could be absolute steals but are flying under the radar. These are the potential hidden gems that might not make a lot of noise early but could become fantasy gold as the season progresses.
Caleb Daniel
Let’s face it, we all know how good Daniel is, but his fantasy numbers have taken a hit over the last few seasons. A trade to North Melbourne and the growing chance of securing a juicy role at half-back could reignite his form. If he delivers a standout preseason performance, don’t be surprised to see him in your forward line by Round 1.
Elijah Hollands
Sometimes it’s all about opportunity. If Hollands gets a chance to shine, he could turn into a point-scoring machine. Keep an eye on preseason reports – if he gets more midfield minutes, he could be worth a speculative pick.
Ryley Sanders
Ah yes, the classic young gun looking for a big jump in minutes. Sanders has been doing all the right things in the preseason, and while he’s not yet a household name, he could take the next big step at the Bulldogs, especially with recent departures. Take a risk – you never know when you’ll hit the jackpot.
Others to consider in brief - essentially anyone not plying as a fwd.
Caleb Windsor, great debut season and reported to be training at half back.
Luke Parker - reports form track watchers that this bloke is actually the captain of the club and could be massive if he gets CBAs
Izak Rankin - if this blokes gets more CBAs he too will be a great pick, showing great scoring when offered this in 2025. but the crows have brought more mids in and they would then loose their best forward.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. The key to success in GDS is a mix of sound decision-making and a little bit of risk-taking. Don’t be afraid to back a POD – after all, sometimes the best fantasy teams are built on a few Pods.
Get involved, and use our code "BOBS" at sign up for to jump start your team with some free packs. Drop us a comment below who you think will be the top Defender in 2025 and their average.
Check out our 2025 Ruck and Midfielder ranks to help build your Gameday squad.
Good luck,
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