Exactly.We're definitely very vulnerable to transition goals, our forward pressure isn't where it needs to be so opposition teams can move it pretty quickly and easily out of their D50 to their F50 which leaves our defenders hanging out to dry.
A truly elite intercept player like Ridley can help here because they'll read the ball much faster than almost anyone else on the field to (maybe) get in position to intercept it.
We also don't have a great marking presence around the ground - though this is improving - which means our offensive ball movement can be stifled.
I think marking around the ground would improve with Setterfield playing and the rucks applying themselves more (as well as the return of Ridley and Reid). A part of what makes Setterfield good for the side is his ability to take intercept marks. Most of our other mids are not tall enough to influence in the air. Both rucks have demonstrated they can be better in the air than their current output. They average 1-3 marks a game. Gawn sometimes takes 9-10 marks and 4 contested.
A lot will be said about the quality of opposition, but I still maintain that our best performance this year was Adelaide in Adelaide despite drawing against the reigning premiers and comfortably beating Bulldogs. That's the forward half game I want to see more consistently.
It's a shame because we could have easily won a final this year if Ridley and Reid remained fit on top of having at least two elite pressure small forwards. Prime and fit Walla + Fantasia is all it would have taken.