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 one of three, we look at the six clubs ranked 18 down to 13.
1. 18th - Adelaide
The lack of a standout second-string key defender is a looming issue for the Crows, with emerging young gun Jordon Butts looking to carry the workload this year.
Future captain Tom Doedee is sure to offer his sublime services as an intercept option, however a taller asset to aid both Butts and Doedee is needed.
Fischer McAsey and Nick Murray are yet to prove their prowess at AFL level, while veteran pair Luke Brown and Brodie Smith aren't key-positon contributors.
The Crows lost Jake Kelly to Essendon during the off-season and weren't able to plug the void left by the versatile backman.
Adelaide will welcome back Wayne Milera from injury however, while youngster Chayce Jones could be a significant figure in defence as he continues his impressive development.
