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.
4. Verdict
Start:Â 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.Â
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