Zero 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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Throughout recent seasons, the 26-year-old Redman has emerged as Essendon's key leader from the defensive half; plying his trade in a hard-nosed, workmanlike fashion. His admirable efforts this year earned him a third-place Crichton Medal finish behind Zach Merrett and Kyle Langford.
Whilst not a key-position backman, standing at 187 centimetres, the Millicent native's physical impact is felt when he frequently crashes marking contests.
However, the bulk of Redman's damage is done with the ball in his possession.
In 2023, the South Australian went at 82.1 per cent efficiency by foot – an 'elite' grading, per AFL Stats. Considering three out of every four Redman possessions are kicks – he registered a 3.1 kick-to-handball ratio – that's an impressive feat (there's a pun to be made here).
The Glenelg product also recorded an average of 3.9 score involvements per game this year, backing up an elite-rated 4.4 in 2022; highlighting his prominent slingshotting capability. Further, his 472.9 metres gained per contest also rated as elite, compared with his defending peers.
The Bombers will be thrilled to have secured Redman's services long-term after he signed a five-year contract extension in July.
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.
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 – if he isn't already.
Houston was awarded his maiden All-Australian jacket this year; contributing massively to Port Adelaide's cause – particularly during the Power's record-breaking winning stretch.
While it's impossible to go past his after-the-siren game-winning bomb against the Bombers as his headline 2023 season highlight, Houston was consistently reliable for Ken Hinkley as an efficient rebounding avenue exiting defence.
The Power players evidently trust the Greythorn product with the ball in his hands; his 23.4 disposals per game this year not only rank as his career-best season tally, but they also rank as elite among fellow defenders. Further, Houston's 468.8 metres gained per game in 2023 easily trumps his career average of 350.8, signifying an important elevation in his game.
While the Oakleigh Chargers product may not be as strong a purely defensive force as Quaynor or Redman, his offensive exploits trump both and hold significant value in their own right.
Thankfully for the Port faithful, Houston's future at Alberton is secure until the end of the 2027 season.
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.