We have Martin and Archie as our ruck options and really both dont offer a lot up forward. So having 1 play as a main ruck with just a pinch hit option i think is fine. At some point, surely 1 of our KPF will be able to fill in 5 min here and there well enough to make it work. Whether that is Walker, Hipwood, Close or even Ballenden in a few years.
It was good to see Archie kept in the team and get a bit of a chance up forward. He has some qualities that will make defenders nervous, especially if he gets a few minutes up forward with the 2 KPF still on the field as well. He should be getting a lesser defender, and his jump and athletic ability might draw some free kicks if he gets a one v one deep. He is still very raw, but there is some forward potential for the future.
Im pretty happy with our KPF stocks. Ive always liked Close up forward, i just like the way he plays and have always thought he would be a good 2nd KPF playing alongside and complementing a more natural star type KPF. But with Schache and Hipwood looking like 2 dominate forwards over the next 10 years, we have Close and Walker essentially fighting for the same spot as that competitive KPF. And we havent even mentioned Freeman or what Ballenden brings in a few years. Plenty of depth there.
Im not sure if i see any of them playing as a defender though, which is really what we need. Will be interesting though, if we do have a coaching change to see what a fresh set of eyes might try.