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.

2. Henry Hustwaiteย 

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.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Henry Hustwaite of Vic Country kicks the ball during the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Vic Country and Western Australia at GMHBA Stadium on July 17, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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.