Zero Hanger's next instalment of 'start, bench, cut' sees us examine three hard-nosed midfielders who've tended to fly under the radar through their careers to this point.

Tiger Tim Taranto, Lion Josh Dunkley, and Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw represent a few of the most physically imposing engine-roomers in the competition.

While Taranto and Dunkley are symbolic of respective 2022 trade period successes for Richmond and Brisbane, Brayshaw's status as a Docker has been cemented since 2017, when he was chosen second overall by the Cockburn-based club.

Unrelenting hardness at the contest is what links this trio; Taranto, Dunkley, and Brayshaw each ranked among the AFL's top ten for pressure acts this season, while they also finished within 22 total tackles of each other at the cessation of this year's tally.

As we dissect the careers and recent form of the trio of hard-hitting 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 Taranto, Dunkley, and Brayshaw before revealing our final start, bench, and cut verdicts.

2. Josh Dunkley

Like Taranto, Josh Dunkley represents a success story from last year's exchange period, having helped lead the Lions in their charge to this year's Grand Final.

Formerly a Western Bulldog, the tackling machine did Brisbane's dirty work at the coalface in 2023, taking significant pressure off superstar midfielder Lachie Neale, who subsequently claimed his second Brownlow Medal.

Dunkley was tenth-best in the AFL this year in winning contested possession, decreasing the overall workloads of the likes of Neale, Jarrod Berry, and Hugh McCluggage.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Dunkley of the Lions celebrates as the final siren sounds during the 2023 AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues at The Gabba on September 23, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

While Dunkley has established himself as a terrific accumulator of the ball, he has also continually showcased his defensive talents; lining up on the opposition's most damaging midfielder and stemming his impact on the game.

The Gippsland Power product finished seventh in the league in total tackles this season, showcasing his capabilities as a formidable disruptor.