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.
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
1. Mason Redman
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.
