Why do people think we need key forwards? Definitely not an urgent need now that we have Lee. Of course, Roo and Kosi are retiring but we have Lee/Stanley/Wikes as our future forward line, with Staley developing off the rookie list and Markworth/Siposs have the ability to be a 3rd tall as well. I wouldn't have thought we'd be going hard for forwards, KPDs maybe
I want a KPF because i just don't see that big and strong stay at home FF anywhere on our list.
Wilkes - More your bit part player on the side capable of making a dent in the opposition if they don't pay him enough respect. Don't see him as the cornerstone FF of our next premiership team.
Hickey - Capable of playing either end with his sticky mitts when not rucking, I'd preferably like to see him play the role Ben does when he's resting. Not a permanent forward option.
Stanley - Better suited to burning off opposition with athleticism by roaming around CHF/Wing and doubling back into the 50 with the afterburners. Not the strong pillar, nor the traits you'd want to keep boxed in the goal square. Also, will his body allow him to string together games? Im not confident.
Lee - Another I want using his athleticism, am i wrong in thinking he'll be more of a CHF? Sure he may be a more than capable FF, but with someone as versatile as him you wouldn't want him to be the only FF option.
Lever - Jury's still very much out. Didn't SW earmark him for CHB anyway?
Staley - Same. Even longer odds.
Siposs - I think we'll see him evolve to be spending most of his time away from the forward line, especially with Markworth coming on and BJ gone.
If Shaw is there, Id absolutely want us to take him, absolutely no question. Having a surplus of KP's (not that i think we will this year) is never a bad thing. Shaw won't be AFL ready for a good 2-3 years anyway. So in the mean time it allows us to keep carrying the 3 ruck set up (Rhys/Ben/Hickey to replace Kosi) during development. And should Shaw be banging the door down, then we'll confront that champagne problem when the time comes.
With guys like Tim O'Brien, Mason Wood etc, im a little skeptical about taking because i'm unsure whether they're the contested marking FF types we're crying out for to complete our forward line. But hey talent is talent.