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
4. (9) Western Bulldogs
While boasting the likes of All-Australian duo Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel, the Bulldogs failed to strike fear with their perhaps undersized key defender depths.
Both Daniel and Dale offer unmatched disposal efficiency in defence, however the Bulldogs' rearguard seems susceptible to opposing sides that threaten with height and strength in their attack.
Alex Keath will have a large task on his hands to combat the league's best forwards, with Easton Wood no longer able to play a supporting role to intercept.
Zaine Cordy, Ryan Gardner and Josh Schache are set to battle for second-string defensive duties, while the jury is still out on Tim O'Brien's ability in defence as he prepares for life as a Bulldog.
Taylor Duryea and Bailey Williams add a nice edge to their defence as hard-nosed assets, but their depth from there looks to be lacking.
Luke Beveridge may look to rotate Aaron Naughton and Tim English through defence should they require further reinforcement.
