They are the ones who win you the games or lose them, and the Saints’ forwards had their work cut out for them in 2023.
In a league where the defences were getting stronger with every game, forwards had to be at the top of their game to get goals on the board.
For the Benalla side, a few big names threw their weight around in front of goals.
Benalla’s scoring statistics 2023
Most goals: 27 — Jarrad Waite
Second most goals: 21 — Josh Mellington
Goal accuracy: Jarrad Waite 64%, Josh Mellington 60%
Goal assists: 15 — Christopher Welsh
Winning the Golden Boot for Benalla was the man with 377 goals in the AFL — Jarrad Waite.
The man who will take over the coaching role at the Saints next year kicked 27 goals for the side, including eight against Rochester in round 8.
Following up the ex-Carlton and North Melbourne player was Josh Mellington, who notched up 21 majors.
When it came to accuracy, Waite had Mellington just behind him once again as the tall forward kicked goals at 64 per cent accuracy while Mellington kicked at 60 per cent.
Christopher Welsh had the position nailed down regarding the quarterback role, setting up players for goals.
The mid-fielder clocked 15 goal assists for the season.
With Waite set to play more games in 2024 and with him passing on his knowledge to the players around him, next season should see the goals flowing in for the Saints.