While the grunt work is typically done by the midfield of an AFL side, the heavy lifting can often be done by the backline, especially for teams at the lower end of the ladder.

Premiership defences require potent key defenders, intercepters and running ball-users to provide an offensive threat.

Geelong were an unstoppable force out of defence last season, with De Koning and Stewart constantly preventing chaos and allowing ThuoyThou, Guthrie and others to control the ball effectively.

Melbourne were unbeatable at their best in 2021 with Lever, May, Petty and even Gawn maintaining control of the game with their aerial presence while Salem, Brayshaw and Rivers inflicted damage by foot.

This list will help you decide which team will be the immovable object in 2023 and here we look at the backlines ranked 12-7.

SEEL: Every AFL team's backline ranked PART I

3. (10th) Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are stacked with top-end talent all over the ground even after losing stars Josh Dunkley and Lachie Hunter. Perhaps the biggest knock on this side last season was their lack of an elite key defensive presence and this problem looks to have been solved with the addition of Liam Jones.

He will take significant pressure off Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner by taking the opposition's best forward, allowing them to display their ability as second and third options rather than being options one and two.

Ball users Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel are stars of the competition and will continue to provide an offensive threat out of defensive 50. With talks of Daniel potentially taking on an inside mid role, Ed Richards may be asked to step up his production down back also.

Jason Johannisen still hasn't matched the elite form he showed in 2016 but is yet another running half-back option this year while Taylor Duryea and Hayden Crozier will also be eyeing off a spot in the side with their defensive capabilities.

One exciting watch is the continued development of swingman Sam Darcy as he navigates his role in the side. Bailey Williams will also be looking to return to his previous form after he showed some elite decision-making ability in 2021.