TBF, our forward line hasn't been functioning well all season, even with 'natural forwards' in there. So may as well give this a go.
Wtf give it a go lol. it is so similar to what we have done all year.
Seems to me two options play mids there and struggle or play natural fwds there and struggle.
For me the most productive fwds we have this year as far as kicking goals goes is Riewoldt, Ryan, Lynch, Bolton and Cumberland.
Given Lynch is out it really should have been a priority to play a tall fwd. Just set it up with two kpp's, a ruck/fwd, Bolton and Cumberland and keep trying a player thru the last spot.
Something like this
HF: Bolton - Riewoldt - Clarke/Ralphsmith/Sonsie/Campbell /MRJ.
FF: Ryan - Bradtke/Bauer - Cumberland.
Martin and Taranto can rotate thru Bolton's spot or similar.
Even with a fit Lynch id be playing one of Bradtke or Bauer to compliment him and Jack and play Ryan from the bench.
The trouble with that has been and will continue to be, it means Hardwick has to leave a favorite player out it means a Ross or Graham Short McIntosh Cotchin or his new project Mansell will have to miss out. Nope better to play a non productive mid there than persevere or even try a fwd.
I count 13 players who have played fwd this year and i have probably missed a few.
