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 

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 09: Connor Rozee of the Power kicks the ball during the 2022 AFL Round 17 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the GWS Giants at the Adelaide Oval on July 09, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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.