100% this old fox.
We been saying for a while - Biggest need on our list. We are sllloooowwwww all through there.
Hopper, Taranto, Graham, Sonsie etc are all pretty one paced add Meatball has lost some zip. Dow isn't quick but he at least has really good evasion/agility that is a point of difference to those guys. Hence why he's going to get opportunities.
Add our wings as well - Ross, McIntosh, Pickett (both lost a yard) aren't express. Banks covers the ground well but wouln't say he's quick. Shame Hugo is conditional attacking the ball and so scrappy by foot. Could Coulthard be groomed for a wing? Maybe too short.
Not sure Smith has ever spent much time in the middle as a junior, so probably a long shot to help in that area. But he does have wheels. There's not much else on the list with midfield pace potential unfortunately.
It's all in hindsight now as it felt good at the time, but looking back, prob didn't need to double dip with Hopper after landing Taranto. They are both pure mids (Taranto can pinch hit forward) and both lack some burst. Hopp especially can't really play anywhere else.
What it all means is that we'll need to use Shai (and Dusty) in the middle more than we'd ideally like. They are the one's that can really put opposition midfield (and defence) on the back foot. Maybe that pushes Taranto forward more this year, which is not where he plays his best footy, but team dynamics might demand it.