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.
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START, BENCH, CUT: Shai Bolton, Kysaiah Pickett, Gryan Miers
4. Final Verdict
Start: Isaac Quaynor
Bench: Mason Redman
Cut: Dan Houston
The astronomical development of Quaynor has been a sight to behold at Magpies HQ, and he isn't showing signs of slowing down. Quaynor's present output, coupled with his expected continued improvement, and it's with confidence that he's our 'start' choice.
Next, Redman earns our 'bench' mantle. A player who showcases all the intangibles of a quality, dependable AFL defender, his immense influence on the Bombers' back half cannot be ignored. Neck-and-neck with Houston in age as well as ability, 'Red Dog' edges out the Power stopper.
Houston, finally, is incredibly unlucky to be left as our 'cut' after registering a career-best season, and one that was capped by being recognised as among the league's best at his position. In fact, despite squad nominations for Quaynor and Redman, the Camberwell Grammar graduate is the sole All-Australian among this trio.
