Forwards win memberships and defenders win Premierships, the old adage goes.
The men at the back are not only integral in keeping opposition scores down, they also provide the first line of attack.
In the AFL era, 1990 until the present day, plenty of players have called the defensive fifty home. Many of this aforementioned group have also retired champions of the game, or at least look set to.
With the off-season slowly creeping to a close, we here at Zero Hanger have attempted to create a list of every club's best three defenders that never played together.
However, there are four rules to this exercise.
1. Three players must be selected from each club.
2. Even if they have played for multiple clubs, no player can be selected on the list of two teams.
3. All players must have played at least a portion of their careers from 1990 onwards.
4. As mentioned, no player can have played an in-season match with any of their colleagues.
For example, should Glenn Archer be selected for North Melbourne, then all of his backline buddies between 1992 and 2007 become ineligible.
With that in mind, here is our best stab.
Let us know how we have gone and which clubs you feel have fared best.
West Coast
John Worsfold โ 1987-1998 (209 games)
Although fellow defender Glen Jakovich has won it four times, we've gone with the man that West Coast' Best and Fairest award is named after โ John Worsfold.
Following selection to the Eagles' inaugural squad in 1987, Worsfold wasted minimal time stamping his authority on the game, with the backman winning the B&F in 1988.
After further developing his game and leadership qualities, โWoosha' was named captain prior to 1991 โ a season that saw the club make their first Grand Final.
Despite success alluding them the first time around, Worsfold and the โWeagles' returned to the big dance in 1992 and 1994, with resounding victories over Geelong in both visits.
Renowned for his courageous and ruthless play, Worsfold led the Eagles to their third flag in 2006 after taking the coaching reigns in 2002 โ just three full years after his retirement.
Adam Hunter โ 2000-2009 (151 games)
As another Western Australian that cut their teeth at WAFL level before winning a flag with West Coast, Adam Hunter's name is on our list.
Although listed by numerous sources as a utility, Hunter's best football came when playing behind of it, following the retirement of Glen Jakovich in 2004.
Hardnosed and uncompromising, Hunter's zenith came during the 2006 Finals series. Ironically, these performances were highlighted by the Bunbury boy's ability to hit the scoreboard.
Hunter's sealing goal in the Eagles' one point victory over Sydney in the 2006 Grand Final is without doubt what most punters think of when his name is uttered.
That or his frosted mullet.
Jeremy McGovern โ 2011-Present (138 games)
Any list comprised of defenders would be incomplete without the inclusion of Jeremy McGovern.
After beginning his career as a paunchy kid that was better known for intercepting fast food deliveries rather than opposition forays forward, McGovern set about shedding the puppy fat and getting serious about his craft.
Having spent his first three seasons in the WAFL, McGovern finally debuted in Round 6 of 2014. Despite this, it would take a further 12 months before he found a consistent home down back.
In consecutive years between 2016 and 2019, McGovern was named an All-Australian for his sterling contested marking ability.
Said skills were on show late in the 2018 Grand Final when he plucked a ball deep in West Coast's defensive 50 and set the chain that led to Dom Sheed's winner in motion.
Look away now, Collingwood fans.
