Really happy with the former Giant. 22 goals from 16 games (ave. 1.375) is a handy enough return playing as 2nd/3rd forward.
Would hope he can improve that output upwards of 35 goals (1.5 goals per game - pending fitness) and improve his marking & I50 count too. With so many similar types on our list (Brown, Laverde, Begley vying for senior selection), two bad games in a row will put pressure on him to keep performing. Was nice watching him develop across 2017, hoping to see him continue to develop in 2018.
He's one of my favorite players now. He is growing into a real point of difference that will gives us versatility and helps to create mismatches.
If he didn't get any better the sum of what he's done is a 22 to 30 goal a year player who'll get low-to-mid teens possessions, three to four tackles and who has a huge defensive work rate (equal to the smalls). That's so valuable when it's from a guy who is 198cm and 95kgs because of the very real threat of 4-5 shots on goal or the 20 possession two goal game higher up the field. I think it makes him a comfortable best 22 selection.
If he can improve his hands even just a little bit so that he can one-grab a few more 50/50 balls where he wins field position he wouldn't have to play any differently to become a 30 to 40 goal player. That's an excellent return from a third tall forward that brings everything else to the table.
The nature of the role and the likely selection of a mid-sized forward (Stringer and probably two of Laverde, Begley and Langford are all going to spend time at half forward) together with two high quality smalls makes it unlikely that's he'll get the supply to dramatically improve his average numbers. For him it will almost always be about his work rate and taking opportunities as they are presented.