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
5. (8) West Coast
The Eagles' backline took a major hit with the loss of Brad Sheppard this off-season, a member of Adam Simpson's side that played a significant role while perhaps flying under the radar across his tenure in the royal blue and gold.
His service will likely be filled by a number of Eagles looking to break the barrier and secure themselves as a best 22 feature, with Alex Witherden, Harry Edwards and Luke Foley hoping to see more minutes this year.
Trio Tom Cole, Jackson Nelson and Josh Rotham will be looking to hold their roles as they enter a new season, having all played at least 19 matches last season.
Veteran half-back Shannon Hurn will continue to add a great service out of defence, but it's the key-position pairing of Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass that lead the charge for West Coast.
Should the destructive duo stay fit, they'll give the Eagles a strong chance each weekend.
