I don't think it's as big of a concern as you're making it.
His issues are physical related, he's had some injuries, some strange ones too. Had some good games this year, I wouldn't be looking toward the Brownlow for validation
It is a midfielder's medal. What worried me with Sloane the player is that unlike Tex, he didn't hit 2021 like his body had been rejuvenated over the offseason. 2-3 down then 1 even/up was his season until the last couple of rounds. He just seems busted and can only get up for a full 4 quarters off and on. Cant do that when you're taking over a quarter of available midfield minutes. It's a week in, week out job.
I really do think he'd make a very good fist of a high half forward role. But it's his ability to run the clicks that concerns me. He'd be a bit different to Lynch, but ultimately better as he can impact contests or go into the stoppage rotation when it's required. My greatest fear is that his future mirrors how Thommo finished. A broken body that only had enough in the legs to get from stoppage to stoppage and do next to nothing else.