Rough is more than just a tall forward - he plays as a midfielder half the time bullocking and breaking the game open. That is something that Cloke could never ever not in a million years do. - Remember Leigh Brown at Collingwood? Rough is a superior version of him not Cloke
Don't need to tell me that Rough is more than just a forward. However, we aren't going to find a tall forward who can do what Rough can do in this post-season - so that's a moot point. What we need is a tall forward who is a marking threat. We need someone who can take the defensive focus off of TOB and Sicily. As it stands - we are bombing it in with the hope of a contested mark. This strategy has never served us well in the past, and it's our defence that is leading our charge this year. Now, Burton could change this - but that's a lot to ask of a kid. Add a genuine monster KPF and you let Sicily off the leash and Gunston and Breust can play more of their 2013-15 style. Again also, if we are to bring in some young mids via trade - we may lose Schoey and/or TOB - so our forward depth would get hammered.
I'm not saying we should throw big money or a long term deal his way. However, if Cloke was interested to make a sacrifice and come on board, which he likely won't, but if he was then you need to take the emotional blinkers off and imagine what he could deliver if he's willing to choke on his ego a bit and play for success as opposed to playing for money. People thought Lake was cooked when he came to us - but he embraced Hawthorn, got himself fit and played 3 fantastic seasons. If Cloke wanted to come here and was willing to do the hard yards - then I certainly wouldn't be disgusted by it like some here would.