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.
AFL BACKLINES RANKED 18-13
AFL BACKLINES RANKED 12-7
5. Brisbane
The Lions hold a top-heavy backline when you gaze across their pecking order, with start trio Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich and Daniel Rich leading the charge for Chris Fagan.
Andrews has held a place among the top echelon of AFL defenders for several seasons and is seen as arguably the best tall back in the league.
Both Starcevich and Rich are seen as his supporting cast, with the pair offering the ability to lockdown star small forwards and then slingshot the Sherrin out of defensive 50 respectively.
Marcus Adams and Darcy Gardiner add to the Lions' key position depths, while Mitch Robinson shares his service between half-back and the wing.
Skipper Dayne Zorko has been flagged as a half-back option for the 2022 season, while Callum Ah Chee and Keidean Coleman are also tipped to feature down back.
James Madden and Ryan Lester will continue to contend for spots in Brisbane's best 22, while top draft selection Darcy Wilmot is seen as a fitting successor for Rich in the coming years.
