Glorifying theย AFL's ball-winners and goalkickers is commonplace across the footballing landscape, but as the age-old adage goes: 'defence wins premierships'.

The club that holds the silverware aloft at the end of a season typically boasts a backline consisting of immovable key defenders, eagle-eyed interceptors and attack-minded flankers.

Last year's grand finalists, for example, each possessed stingy, impregnable defensive units, comprising stars such asย Darcy Moore,ย Harris Andrews,ย Brayden Maynard,ย Brandon Starcevich,ย Isaac Quaynorย andย Keidean Coleman, among others.

So, taking into account last year's performance, current personnel and injuries, where does each club's defence rank as we prepare to embark on the 2024 season?

We've ranked everyย AFL club's backline from worst to first. Here's 12 through 7.

PART I: BACKLINE RANKINGS 18-13

2. 11th - Western Bulldogs

Core personnel: Liam Jones, James O'Donnell, Ryan Gardner, Alex Keath, Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, Ed Richards, Bailey Williams, Jason Johannisen, Taylor Duryea

The return of Liam Jones in 2023 went a long way in the Dogs remaining in the finals chase until the end of last season, with his dual ability to lockdown star forwards and intercept across packs a much-needed addition to Luke Beveridge's side.

The Bulldogs have struggled to narrow down their key defensive options in recent years, with Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner, James O'Donnell, Josh Bruce, Tim O'Brien, Buku Khamis and Sam Darcy all utilised in the backline.

Gardner has strengthened his case with each passing season, only for injuries to interrupt his second chance in the AFL so far, but it's category B rookie O'Donnell who has taken significant steps in a short time at the Kennel.

Caleb Daniel during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The athletic backman looks to have plenty of upside as a bargain recruit, slotting in nicely with Jones and potentially a third piece in one of Gardner, Keath or Darcy.

The Dogs aren't short on their attacking options, with forward-turned-defender Bailey Dale has developed nicely into his rebounding role and could find himself further up the field, much like Caleb Daniel or Ed Richards.

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