Backlines can often do the heavy lifting in footy, especially if they're part of a side looking to turn their list around at the foot of the ladder.

With A-grade defenders a commodity in the AFL, and half-backs often going unnoticed whilst offering their best efforts, those that ply their trade down back hold an accountable role that can go unrewarded.

As made evident in last year's premiership run, a well-gelled rearguard can be the cornerstone in conjuring the right list worthy of planting their flag at the summit come the end of the season.

With the season nearing and each side looking to improve on the results of yesteryear, we profile each side's list of defenders and rank them against their league counterparts.

In part two, we look at the sides ranked 12th down to 7th.

AFL BACKLINES RANKED 18-13

3. (10) Collingwood

The Magpies have the names to give rookie coach Craig McRae a strong level of confidence and reliance on his rearguard.

Scott Pendlebury's transition into defence is sure to add an exciting edge to the Magpies' back third, while top draftee Nick Daicos could also be utilised in a more defensive role to begin his AFL career.

Key defender Darcy Moore was framing as one of the best lockdown defenders in the league before injury impacted his season, having shown a prolific two-way ability to halt opposing attacks and move the ball forward with accuracy.

The Magpies' defence is buoyed by the run and carry of Brayden Maynard and Isaac Quaynor, while veteran high-flyer Jeremy Howe is among their best when at full fitness.

The big question mark hangs over Jordan Roughead and the key defenders that fall in line behind Moore. Having added highly-rated recruit Charlie Dean in the off-season, the Fothergill-Mitchell-Round medallist could be the answer Collingwood are searching for.

Should we see the Magpies' best backline combine, they could cause headaches for even the best sides in the AFL.