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.
It's no secret Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith didn't have the season he desired in 2023, having faced consistent criticism throughout the year regarding his form.
Smith failed to have the vast influence on games we'd become accustomed to expect from the former Sandringham Dragon.
Smith's deployment amongst a busy Bulldogs engine room by coach Luke Beveridge was a persistent talking point. The 22-year-old didn't find as much of the Sherrin as during previous campaigns, resulting in his fading out of games numerous times this year.
Smith's 23.5 disposal-per-game average this year was his lowest tally since the time-shortened 2020 season when he managed a 21.2 possession-per-game mean.
Smith, who continually surfaced in trade rumours throughout this year, is also the only one out of this trio who hasn't yet earned an All-Australian blazer.
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 – figures representing career highs – on his way to a maiden All-Australian nod.
As has been evident since he burst onto the AFL scene in 2019 – managing 1.3 goals per game as a Power rookie – Rozee is also a threat around the goals in addition to his indubitable ball-winning habits.
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.
Have we saved the best for last?
In case there was any doubt about Sam Walsh's big-game abilities, they were categorically eradicated following his three-peat of astounding performances during this year's finals series.
Walsh lodged 29 disposals, six tackles, and nine inside-50s in the elimination final win against the Sydney Swans, substantiated that with another 34 possessions and eight tackles against Melbourne on semi-final weekend, before registering another heroic outing in Carlton's heartbreaking preliminary final loss to the Brisbane Lions, logging 33 disposals, six tackles, and eight inside-50s.
The 23-year-old has a dangerous knack for finding the footy and is typically a sound user when it's in his hands; culminating in plenty of forward entries and scoring opportunities for the likes of Carlton's dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow and one-timer Harry McKay.
Start: Sam Walsh
Bench: Connor Rozee
Cut: Bailey Smith
It's an impossibility to go past Walsh as the best player in this discussion.
Rozee certainly isn't far behind – and there's still a possibility he someday usurps the ball-winning Blue – but for now, this 'start' mantle is undoubtedly Walsh's.
Smith, meanwhile, is a clear third in this conversation until he shows he's able to return to his 2021-semi-final-against-Brisbane match-winning form.