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.
6. 13th - St Kilda
The Saints' backline took a major hit before Round 1, with young defender Nick Coffield having his season end before it could start.
His absence opens another void down back for the Saints, who will be hoping to unlock the best out of several key figures within their back third.
Dougal Howard and Cal Wilkie will continue to hold key roles, while speed and skill will come from the likes of Jack Sinclair and Brad Hill throughout the year ahead.
Having seen enough from Tom Highmore and Ben Paton in recent years, along with the resurgence of Jimmy Webster, there are plenty of formidable assets below St Kilda's top echelon in defence.
Perhaps still needing another tall option down back, promising swingman Josh Battle could be the next piece of Brett Ratten's defensive puzzle as they eye a return to the top eight.
