Zeroย Hanger's next instalment of 'start, bench, cut' sees us examine a trio of prominent medium-sized backmen.

Essendon hard nut Mason Redman, Collingwood premiership-winner Isaac Quaynor, and Port Adelaide rebounder Dan Houston culminate in three of the more impenetrable defensive-half players in the competition.

As we dissect the careers and recent form of this trio of formidable stoppers, 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 Redman, Quaynor, and Houston before revealing our start, bench, and cut verdicts.

SEE ALSO:
START, BENCH, CUT: Bailey Smith, Connor Rozee, Sam Walsh
START, BENCH, CUT: Tim Taranto, Josh Dunkley, Andrew Brayshaw
START, BENCH, CUT: Shai Bolton, Kysaiah Pickett, Gryan Miers

2. Isaac Quaynor

Each passing season since his entrance to the league in 2018, Quaynor has improved drastically, quickly ascending to the status of a premier one-on-one defender.

The Oakleigh Chargers graduate has appeared 70 times at the senior level over the past three seasons, including all 26 Magpies appearances this year, establishing himself as a durable mainstay in Craig McRae's behind-the-ball brigade.

A key cog in that impregnable, premiership-winning defensive unit, Quaynor averaged 0.2 contested defensive losses (CDL) per game this season, registering a CDL percentage of just 16.7.

The East Doncaster product also managed an average of 6.9 intercept possessions per game; an impressive figure that ranks elite when compared with fellow AFL defenders, per AFL Stats.

Isaac Quaynor and Darcy Moore during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

His contribution to Collingwood's team success can't be understated; aiding the likes of Darcy Moore, Nathan Murphy, and Jeremy Howe in stopping opposing offensive units.

While it's difficult to pinpoint a weakness in the burgeoning star's game, the 23-year-old could truly reach the upper-echelon of AFL defenders if an emphasis is placed on improving his counter-attacking and offensive game this pre-season. Quaynor managed a modest 3.7 rebound-50s per game this year, suggesting he isn't overly likely to initiate Collingwood's attacking movements.

However, still at such a fresh age, provided Quaynor continues on his current tantalising trajectory, he'll be among the stars in no time โ€“ if he isn't already.ย