Zero Hanger's first instalment of 'start, bench, cut' to kickstart the 2024 pre-season sees us examine three polarising midfielders who will always be associated because of their status as top-ten draft choices in 2018.
Sam Walsh (Pick 1; Carlton), Connor Rozee (Pick 5; Port Adelaide), and Bailey Smith (Pick 7; Western Bulldogs) were each chosen among the first ten selections at the 2018 National Draft and have gone on to stage impressive, yet changing, five-year AFL stints.
As we dissect the careers and recent form of the trio of ball-winners, we ponder who to hypothetically 'start' (our number one choice of the three), 'bench' (our runner-up) and 'cut' (our odd man out).
We reviewed the cases of Smith, Rozee, and Walsh before revealing our final verdict.
2. Connor Rozee
The continually-ascending Connor Rozee was an instrumental force during Port Adelaide's record-breaking 13-game win streak this year.
Rozee averaged 25.8 disposals, 4.7 marks, and 4.7 tackles per game in 2023 โ figures representing career highs โ on his way to a maiden All-Australian nod.ย
As has been evident since he burst onto the AFL scene in 2019 โ managing 1.3 goals per game as a Power rookie โ Rozee is also a threat around the goals in addition to his indubitable ball-winning habits.ย
Having just been fitted for his first All-Australian blazer, it's an easy argument to make that Rozee has plenty of ascension left to go as he nears 24 years of age.
