In the second chapter of Zero Hanger'sย positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023ย AFL Draft, we'll be counting down the five best defenders on offer.
No Victorian breaks into the top five, with South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia and Tasmania all represented in our list of the leading backmen.
Between the key talls, versatile medium-sized stoppers and dashing defenders, the class of 2023 isn't short on leading defensive options for AFL clubs to consider.
Our top five includes one father-son prospect and a pair of members from this year's National Championships-winning side the Allies.
SEE ALSO: THE FIVE BEST FORWARDS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
Accompanied by comments fromย AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best defenders for the 2023 AFL Draft...
3. James Leake
FULL PROFILE
Position: Defender-Forward
Height: 187cm
Weight: 77kg
State: Tasmania
Club: Launceston
Allies utility James Leake is an exciting medium-sized prospect given his biggest strength is his versatility.
A strong interceptor with his natural leaping ability and clean hands, Leake can be just as damaging in defence as he is in attack with his sharp eye for goal.
The Tasmanian earned All-Australian honours for his defensive efforts in the Allies' premiership-winning campaign before returning to the Talent League for the Devils to play in the forward line and show off his flexibility.
Leake booted 15 goals over a five-game run in the back end of his draft campaign, including a five-goal haul against Dandenong in Round 17.
Kevin Sheehan Says:ย Medium defender and forward who won All-Australian honours as a defender for the Allies at the National Championships in the middle of the season then played some eye-catching matches as a forward for the Tasmania Devils in the Coates Talent League during a breakout season. With mercurial ability in the air and uncanny ability around goals he looks to have unique versatility which was on display during 11 matches for the Devils
