The emphasis around a spine being difficult to build is way overstated. I can only assume that you are taking Dodoro's comments and regurgitating them as your own. A spine doesn't need to be built with first round draft picks. Perhaps even to justify your own clubs selections, who I believe went far too tall/high risk.
The perception that North needed to replace Brown with an 18 year old kid KPF is just lazy analysis. McDonald will be a good player, but without a great midfield his influence would be minimal IMO. With the added risk of KPF's taken early that don't pay off, who on earth could justify taking that risk in Y1 of a rebuild? Sure, it's great if it pays off and we get an AA KPF, but what if it doesn't?
North instead took 2 out of the 3 best pure midfielders in the draft. It's long been a problem area for us. We have had a star forward in the past, but it's pretty clear from our success (or lack there of) during Browns big goal kicking years, that without a great midfield, they can only get you so far.
For what it's worth, Nick Larkey, 22 years old, pick 73 - has looked extremely promising. North also used their first selection last year on Charlie Comben, 19 years old, pick 30 - who is rated very high internally.
If one or both of these players don't develop as expected, expect us to hit FA for a KPF in 2-3 years time.
