Take a look at 2014. We didn't have Paddy and we nearly made the GF. It was obvious Lobbe needed some help and Paddy was the last piece in the puzzle but he wasn't the only option. Charlie has shown for Gold Coast that he can handle the ruck when the ball is in the forwards. It was more the confusion caused by injuries to Wines, Polec, Carlile, Trengove and Lobbe; the loss of form or consistency of a good number of players and the loss mid-season of Kane Cornes. Although never really dominant he was a calming influence and for a few too many games we resembled a rudderless ship.
The uncertainty for the ruck division is behind us, Wines and Polec are looking to come back. The other question is where is Carlile in his recovery; but even if he cannot return immediately Hombsch looks to have stepped into full-back well. And one or both of Ah Chee and/or Sam Gray will get plenty of game time this year. Personally, my best option would be to play Sam Gray for most if not all of the year as a midfielder, he was a waste last year as a forward. Maybe give Robbie more forward time.