Gidge, there are some things to like about Tabs, but there are two things that worry me about him: first, he doesn't seem to judge the ball in flight very well, which is a concern for a key forward (compare, for example, the way A Pearce seems to get to the right spot as a defender). Second, he isn't really elite at any one thing. Physically, he's neither big nor fast. He has good endurance, and he's tall, but being tall only helps you if you can read the ball in flight.
In a very limited sample, Apeness looked a more likely type. He got his hands to the ball at the peak of his jump, but was too skinny to guard space and really clang his marks. But the signs were there that a couple more summers in the gym will see him improve. I'm not sure Tabs, with his body shape and age (22) has too much physical development in him. Game sense and timing might improve, but physically I think he is what he is.
I think Tabs can be a solid contributor, and I absolutely agree he should be given every chance to grow and prove himself, but my feeling is that if he's playing on the best defender for the next 5 years he's going to get towelled, and by pinning our hopes on him to lead our attack will lead to a backlash against him if he's not up to it.
