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
1. Melbourne
Headlined by key-position and All-Australian pairing Jake Lever and Steven May, the Demons' defence was a reliable cog in their run to the premiership.
Simon Goodwin's side conceded the least amount of points last season, seemingly having an answer to any shape their opposition attack takes.
Half-back Christian Salem joined the aforementioned Lever and May within the All-Australian 40-man squad, while the likes of Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty, Michael Hibberd, Jayden Hunt and Jake Bowey add exciting depth and flexibility.
The return of Adam Tomlinson will further bolster Melbourne's defensive third, adding to a rearguard that ranked first in average intercepts and tackles per game last year.
The Demons' defensive setup is also aided by their flexibility in the ruck, with tall Luke Jackson able to ease the duties of skipper Max Gawn, who is able to play behind the ball and give great assistance to his side's rearguard.
The addition of swingman Jacob van Rooyen in defence is also set to add to the Demons' impressive tall stocks down back for the future.
