SEN’s Dwayne Russell has looked into his crystal ball to try and predict who will be the ‘King of the Jungle’ as the AFL’s best key forward in 2024.
Russell named the 10 players he thinks have the best chance of being the best of the best, with several young players named that he feels will have breakout 2024 campaigns.
Check out Russell’s King of the Jungle predictions for 2024 below and why he has them ranked inside the top 10.
1 - Charlie Curnow (Carlton)
“I've got Charlie Curnow number one because he's going to be, I think, the king of the jungle for the next couple of years,” Russell said on SEN Afternoons.
2 - Jeremy Cameron (Geelong)
“The only person who could stop him from being king of the jungle, and who I think is the next best, is Jeremy Cameron.
“He could become that guy, especially given Tom Hawkins has probably got one year left.
“Maybe after that year, Jeremy Cameron might spend a little bit more time forward as opposed to roaming the entire field when he wants to.”
3 - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Western Bulldogs)
“At number three is one who could be the king of the jungle if not in 2024 maybe in 2025 I think in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
“He's had a breakout season a great campaign this year. He needs to kick a little straighter, but I think he's a gun.
“I think the stage is set for a massive 2024.”
4 - Mitch Lewis (Hawthorn)
“At four, this might surprise a few people, but I’ve got Mitch Lewis.
“The Hawks play an attacking brand. I think they're going to move up the ladder next year.
“I think Mitch Lewis has set a pretty good career foundation for him to be the breakout guy next year.
“I think he can kick a big number next year … a 65-70 goal season.
“He kicks straight Mitch Lewis and because Hawthorn have an attacking brand, I think it suits him.”
5 - Oscar Allen (West Coast)
“At number five I've got Oscar Allen.
“But the big question obviously is that he plays for the West Coast Eagles and what's West Coast’s next two seasons going to look like?
“What’s it going to look like if Adam Simpson continues to put him to fullback at times for the next two seasons?
“So, it might end up being West Coast and Adam Simpson that end up stopping Oscar Allen from being the next king of the jungle as a key forward because he often needs to throw him back.”
6 - Tom Lynch (Richmond)
“Number six is Tom Lynch. I think he's got a big season or two left if he gets his body right.
“Tom Lynch is still one of those that could emerge in 2024 as the player that we knew him as a premiership key forward for Richmond, especially now that we know Jack Riewoldt’s probably retiring at the end of the year.
“He's going to have the forward line to himself.”
7 - Max King (St Kilda)
“At number seven I think Max King has that chance.
“If anyone can next year out of the rest of the pack, I think Max King can.”
8 - Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide)
“At number eight is Todd Marshall.
“I think Port should stay at the top end of the ladder which gives Todd Marshall a chance to be a king of the jungle in some respects.
“He's not that kind of key forward that necessarily rattles your cage, but he kicks straight, and I think he takes a good contested mark.
“He's set a great career foundation to have a big breakout goal number in 2024.”
9 - Logan McDonald (Sydney)
“Number nine on my list, I've got Logan McDonald.
“I think he's done his apprenticeship under Lance Franklin.
“I'm not sure whether Lance will play next year or not, but if he doesn't play, then it's McDonald’s forward line next year.
“The opportunity is there for Logan, and I think the Swans are going to be better next season.”
10 - Jacob Van Rooyen (Melbourne)
“Predicting a breakout season for the young Demon.”