In the next segment of our series looking over the best draft prospects by position, we identify the leading defensive options ahead of next week's count.
Among the leading options among defenders this year we could see a handful of backmen taken in the first round, while a litter of either rearguard selections will scatter across the final few rounds on the second night of the draft.
SEE ALSO: TOP FIVE FORWARDS AHEAD OF THE 2022 AFL DRAFT
Here we rank the five best defenders ahead of next Monday's National Draft.
Position: Tall Defender
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Community Club: Templestowe
Date of Birth: 25/05/04
Height: 192cm
Weight: 91kg
Vic Metro high-flyer Josh Weddle is an outside chance to land in the first round of the draft, however has the potential to be an instant impact player and one of the picks of 2022.
The Templestowe native holds stunning aerial capabilities, flying at the ball and imposing himself on the contest, which he'll often negate or win.
While standing at over 190cms, Weddle can offer explosive and pacey bursts out of the backline that can also impact a marking contest with his great close-down speed.
Weddle was a key feature for Oakleigh's defence this season and flexed his versatile lockdown ability, at times taking tall forwards and even smaller threats.
He was recognised as a Team of the Year member for both the NAB League and National Championships as a key defensive selection.
Position: Tall Defender
State: Victoria Metro
State League Club: Eastern Ranges
Community Club: South Belgrave
Date of Birth: 17/12/04
Height: 199cm
Weight: 82kg
One of the leading key-position players in the draft, Hayes' rangy build and accurate ball movement are what separate him from the rest of the pack.
Standing close to two metres tall, the Eastern Ranges backman boasts strong ball-winning numbers and an equally impressive ability to move the ball with precision.
But it's his intercepting ability that Hayes prides himself on, often impacting an aerial attack and giving his side some relief before looking to counter.
Hayes averaged 16.5 disposals as a key defender for Vic Metro this year while moving the ball at an elite rate of 90.9 per cent efficiency.
Position: Medium Defender
State: Tasmania
State League Club: Tasmania Devils
Community Club: Devonport
Date of Birth: 01/12/04
Height: 187cm
Weight: 81kg
Headlining Tasmania's crop of talent this year is Devonport product Lachie Cowan, who imposed himself on the NAB League and National Championship this year with Tasmania.
The medium-sized backman is an athletic, intercepting and versatile defensive threat who is just as damaging behind the ball as he is with the Sherrin in hand.
Able to slingshot his side out of the last line and quickly into attack with his long kicking ability, Cowan was recognised as the NAB League's best player for 2022, claiming the Morrish Medal alongside Dandenong's Taj Campbell-Farrel.
Cowan recorded 22.3 disposals, 3.5 marks, 4.3 tackles and 5.5 rebounds 50s per game when representing the Apple Isle at state level this year, number that have placed him in the conversation as a potential first-round pick.
Position: Midfielder/Defender
State: Victoria Country
State League Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Community Club: Rosebud
Date of Birth: 20/07/04
Height: 195cm
Weight: 82kg
One of the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft class, Hustwaite can play out of the backline and through the middle of the field as an agile utility that often stands taller than his direct opponent.
At 195cm tall, the Dandenong Stingrays young gun has a different build to most midfield options, relying more on his dexterity than explosive power and pace.
What AFL clubs will be attracted to most in Hustwaite is his composure in defence, able to slot into a number of roles behind the ball to offer surgeon-like ball use from the defensive third.
While having the potential to emerge into a midfield role in the top flight, it's likely Huthwaite will begin his AFL career as a defender and could take the mould of dashing Swans backman Nick Larkey.
Position: Tall Defender
State: Western Australia
State League Club: East Perth
Community Club: Coolbinia
Date of Birth: 11/03/04
Height: 196cm
Weight: 82kg
Busslinger is an exciting intercept defender out of WA, showing off his elite aerial ability and composure in recent seasons that have placed him in the frame as a potential top 10 selection.
While shoulder surgery curtailed his 2022 season, Busslinger has enough runs on the board to hold the title as the leading defensive prospect in this year's class.
Despite a limited year, Busslinger earned All-Australian honours at centre-half-back this year despite just two matches for his state.
Busslinger averaged 22 possessions, 7 marks and 4.5 rebounds 50s for Western Australia in the National Championships this year to really impress at the top level, orchestrating his side's rearguard with great two-way abilities.
His high ball use is another weapon Busslinger possesses, offering efficient disposal efficiency out of the back half.