Thanks for that "Exceptionally short on small forwards"...…...………........"One full time small forward should be a priority...."My answer would be "Exceptionally short on small forwards".
Small forwards by nature: Fasolo, Lebois
Small forwards by necessity: Cuningham, Garlett, Pickett, Polson
Small mids that can go forward: Murphy, Fisher, SPS, Walsh, Thomas, Gibbons, Lang
Small somethings that I can't place: Cottrell, Owies
I understand that you think it's OK to just rotate some smaller mids through that spot, and I can see the appeal in having more mid rotations in the side. I do believe it's necessary to have at least one specialist in that position. Someone who thinks of themselves as a small forward who can go through the middle, rather than a mid who can go forward.
We don't have many of those - Fasolo for sure, Lebois who can't stay on the park, maybe Pickett and Garlett though they're often described as being more suited to playing up the ground, then we're into the speculative rookie picks who are nowhere near the grade yet. Our forward line is in desperate need of a crafty small forward who hunts the ball, and the man. I think our tall forwards would relish having someone consistently buzzing around their feet, someone they can build real synergy with and with whom they can start to work all those deft little taps to advantage into their games.
One full time small forward should be a priority, no doubt in my mind.
Exactly how I see it and suggested, in relation to the top team
To add, barring a miracle, I see Fasolo, Pickett, Garlett and Lang as all or minimum 3 from 4 gone come seasons end, add rookie LeBois to that list. We will
likely need three more forward/mid types added through the draft (or trade/FA). You alluded to Cottrell and Owies, both would be quality pressure types. Cottrell is more mid and Owies is still finding his feet after a few years on the basketball court. I certainly wouldn't discount either yet as many seem to have. Polson is at worst depth for another year if he doesn't come on in the role.
Personally, would not be against retaining our (Adelaide's) first pick and taking the best available small forward candidate rather than chase anything but
the very best trade targets. We already have the list to play finals, albeit in a year or two, with a few more games in to them.