POBT
Brownlow Medallist
Sorry if I inferred Paps and Staker were of the same POB’s, more the style of player I’d be wanting. Sure when on-song Staker’s stats suggest he would be more value as a target with his better contested marks/possessions than Marco. You could also add his swingman capabilities to move into roles forward or back but I think McStay already has that role covered and personally, if I wanted another leading target I’d want Freeman learning that role ahead of playing Stakes.
I’d select Paparone ahead of both Staker and Freeman for exactly the high forward/wingman role you are suggesting not as a KPF – [damn team listing format is so out dated but the marketing types would never allow just the listing of a squad] – I think the days of stay at home KPF are well in the past and the endurance abilities our 2015 and beyond forwards of the likes of Paps, Close, Martin and even Robinson will be the direction of the next generation, IMO.
I am a Paps fan and would probably have him in the mix for round 1 too, in exactly the same role. I guess I see him in competition with the likes of Mayes, Robinson, Bewick, Christensen, Taylor, Aish, CBeams etc - and even the likes of Beams, Rich, Zorko or Hanley, depending on role. I believe the greatest competition for a spot will be in that high half forward / occasional midfield role. Paparone offers a point of difference with his height/running power combination. But all the others have their unique attributes too. But there are so many players you can put onto your half forward flank, wing or interchange and, with a fully fit list, there will be a couple of guys miss out. For that reason, I don't even have the likes of Taylor, Mayes or Aish as certainties just yet - let alone a Paparone who is not quite as well performed. I think that's the pressure that the recruitment of 3 mid/hff guys has created.