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
3. Richmond
Despite finishing in 12th last season, the Tigers ranked as a top-eight side for points conceded while rarely seeing their best back-six feature alongside one another.
The departures of senior pair Bachar Houli and David Astbury will be felt, however the Tigers will continue to be a defensive threat in the competition in hosting a balance of youthful, primed and senior figures down back.
Richmond were able to plug holes in the off-season, adding veteran Roo Robbie Tarrant and the most exciting defender in last year's draft class in Josh Gibcus.
The pair will join a prolific back third, which boasts the pedigrees of Dylan Grimes, Noah Balta, Nick Vlastuin, Nathan Broad, who bring a premiership, best and fairest and All-Australian calibre to Damien Hardwick's side.
Forward-turned-defender Daniel Rioli is set to spend more time in defence, contending with Sydney Stack as an option at half-back.
Liam Baker is another capable figure who could find time in defence, while Rhyan Mansell, showed glimpses of what's to come in his debut season last year.
As a collective, the Tigers' defence is sure to strike plenty of fear for the rest of the competition as they eye a return to premiership contention.
