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
6. (7th) Brisbane
While the Lions potentially have the most talented overall list in the competition, if there is a weakest link, it is their backline.
The one potential knock on their 2023 defensive list is their key defender depth, especially after losing Marcus Adams for the season. Harris Andrews is still one of the truly elite defenders of the competition and put many doubts to bed after his finals performances against Richmond and Melbourne.
However, Jack Payne and Darcy Gardiner are unproven at the highest level and may be exposed when opposing forward lines present a potent double threat in the key forward category; see Geelong and Carlton.
Brandon Starcevich has gradually developed into one of the premier medium-sized defenders in the league and can be backed up solidly any day by Deven Robertson or Noah Answerth.
On the offensive side, Daniel Rich remains a point of difference with his dangerous left leg out of defensive 50, while Keidean Coleman is highly rated internally and could be in for a big year with his ball use and decision-making.
Conor McKenna may struggle to find his footing in the early parts of the season but footy fans know what he can do with his exciting run and dash. Plenty of SuperCoach players will be betting on his success as well as Darcy Wilmot, who firms as another option off half-back if not on a wing.
