Who, real grunt inside work is something that players have when they hit the system. The problem is most top midfielders coming up in the TAC are so used to getting the ball and having time to do their thing. They don't know about two way running or fighting over contested ball after contested ball. Viney for instance natural ball winner since the get go. Miles showed that last night, comes in game one off the Rookie list and destroys all others in clearance inside work.
That's not to say Vlaustin, Conca, Ellis etc don't go when it's their turn (unlike some), because they do and I won't hear anyone say otherwise. But it's more than that. It's about putting your body on the line to not just hunt the ball, however also position yourself to give your elite kickers a chance to break tags and find space out of the packs. Cotchin has not been the same for many reason since two season ago, one of them is a bloke by the name of Shane Tuck is not next to him at bounce ups. Players can create space through speed and instinct, however it's a lot easier when their opponent has to go through a stocky bastard who just planted their shoulder into them.
For all the heat McCartney is getting over at the Bulldogs, have a look how his side position up at stoppages. Not the head less chook follow ball loose opposition, loose clearance like they have at Richmond.