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.
3. 16th - North Melbourne
The Roos have hardly seen their best backline feature alongside one another, with key defenders Ben McKay, Aidan Corr and Aiden Bonar all having endured battles with injury in recent years.
At his best, McKay is one of the top emerging defenders in the AFL, and will take on a more senior role in 2022 given the loss of Robbie Tarrant to Richmond.
Jack Ziebell and Aaron Hall were a formidable duo last season, arising as strong accumulators down back to give their side a quick transition into attack.
Luke McDonald and Kayne Turner will add to the Shinboners' back third, which conceded over 100 more points than any other side in 2021.
With optimism building at Arden Street, the Kangaroos will be hoping to see a large turnaround from their defensive efforts this year.
