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
2. Geelong
The Cats' backline won't 'wow' the general footy fan, but their robust system and structure has been a constant presence in recent seasons, leading to stingy defence and ongoing top four finishes.
Arguably Geelong's most important player across their entire squad is 2021 Carji Greeves medallist Tom Stewart, who is able to lock down almost any opponent before offering quality service and speed toward the forward half of the field.
His absence was greatly felt in the latter end of last season, with a foot injury curtailing an All-Australian campaign and soon open holes across Chris Scott's defence.
However, the Cats remains competitive thanks to the deep lines down back, with the next pick of the bunch coming in the form of emerging backman Jack Henry.
A breakout campaign last season has placed Henry in good stead for the future as he continues to form a sturdy tandem with Stewart, defensive tall Mark Blicavs and the incumbent Jake Kolodjashnij.
Their smalls also hold down key roles in defence, with veteran pair Zach Tuohy and Isaac Smith often sharing duties between half-back and the wing last season.
Jed Bews, Tom Atkins and Mark O'Connor will also be part of rotations in defence, while Zach Guthrie and highly-rated one-game Cat Sam De Koning offer further depth for key-position roles.
