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.
5. 14th - Carltonย
The leading criticism of the Blues' defence is their lack of support for Jacob Weitering following the loss of Liam Jones.
While Carlton have options to replace the veteran defender, there isn't a standout name to slot into his place, with Lewis Young and Mitch McGovern set to fight for first-team duties.
Having faced an onslaught of entries into their defensive third last year, weaknesses were present most weeks as the Blues struggled to combat wave after wave of opposing attacks.
The Blues will also be without highly-respected leader Sam Docherty for an indefinite period, relying on Adam Saad, Zach Williams, Liam Stocker and Lachie Plowman to offer attack from the back.
With ambitions to feature in the top eight and a strengthened midfield this year, Carlton will be hoping to see less reliance on their backline having to deal with the heavy lifting.
