They recruited Richards and Berry and have SPP back so shouldn't be playing forward nearly as much as they were needed last year. I expect even if they're forward it's going to be as the high extra midfielder. JHF will always have the risk of if he gets a good matchup they'll Heeney him but he's a much better mid and expect that's his main use. He's also a forward so even if he didn't improve on last year, he'd be fine as a pick.
On top of that, Butters is only listed as in doubt for round 1 right now, would indicate that he's probably not missing too much and could be back early, would also probably be the one eased back in via the forward slot so could almost help the others in that regard.