In the second chapter of Zero Hanger's positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023 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 from AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best defenders for the 2023 AFL Draft...
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Position: Key Defender
Height: 197cm
Weight: 86kg
State: South Australia
Club: Tanunda
The Hawks' father-son prodigy pips Sandringham Dragons pair Archie Roberts and Ollie Murphy for the fifth spot in our rankings following a breakout draft campaign in the SANFL and with South Australia at the National Championships.
McCabe's name was up in lights the same week the AFL Academy took on Carlton's VFL unit, with the 197cm defender showing why he could've earned a spot in the representative side with a domain display against a combined NSW Academy team for South Australia.
The son of former Hawks backman Luke McCabe, the Tanunda junior impressed against the best key forwards at this year's carnival and would flex his size and intercept ability to emerge as one of the leading tall backmen among the class of 2023.
The Hawks are likely to be ready to match a bid for McCabe on the opening night of the draft, with the leading prospect out of SA one that many rivals would love to have in their future plans.
Kevin Sheehan Says: A tall defender who has also gone forward at times this year and has continued to develop nicely. He was also one of South Australia's better players at the National Championships. A competitive type who has a good natural leap and is very strong overhead.
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Position: Defender
Height: 185cm
Weight: 75kg
State: Western Australia
Club: Caversham
Hardeman captained Western Australia at the National Championships this year and would also piece together strong bookends in the WAFL with Swan Districts.
The rebounding and intercept defender averaged over 22 disposals for the Swans' Colts side this year and would also make his WAFL Seniors debut in Round 1 against East Perth, where he amassed 10 disposals and six marks.
A member of the U18 All-Australian side and AFL Academy, Hardeman was a consistent defensive weapon at any level he represented to earn a place in the first-round conversation ahead of next week's National Draft.
Kevin Sheehan Says: Left-footed medium defender who is strong overhead, has line-breaking speed and is a penetrating kick. Made his senior debut with Swan Districts this year and impressed when representing Australia as part of the AFL Academy. His natural leap was on display at the Draft Combine where he featured in the top 10 performers in both the standing vertical jump (75cm) and running vertical jump (91cm).
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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: 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
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Position: Key Defender
Height: 198cm
Weight: 92kg
State: New South Wales
Club: Albury
Another defender who looks just as comfortable in the forward third of the field, O'Sullivan took out the MVP honours for the Allies following their undefeated carnival this year.
O'Sullivan averaged 17.8 disposals at an efficiency of 86 per cent to go with 8.2 marks per game from his four matches with the Allies this year to earn All-Australian honours.
The Murray Bushrangers product is the latest leading name out of NSW and could fetch a selection in the top 10 of the draft given his standing as arguably the best key defender this year's class has to offer.
His strong bodywork and clean hands in marking contests have O'Sullivan so highly touted, while his size allows him to go head-to-head with senior opposition.
Kevin Sheehan Says: Athletic tall defender who was outstanding for the title-winning Allies at the National Championships winning their MVP award and All-Australian honours. He has an exciting natural leap, good speed and elite endurance highlighted with a top 10 placing in the 2km time trial at the AFL Draft Combine, where he recorded a time of 6:11. Also showed he can go forward and have an impact during his time with the Murray Bushrangers.
FULL PROFILE
Position: Defender
Height: 197cm
Weight: 95kg
State: Western Australia
Club: West Coast
The Claremont backman is perhaps the most versatile teenager in this year's draft crop, with Curtin showing throughout the season he is more than capable of playing as an inside midfielder or in attack on top of his more recognised role as a key defender.
The WA star took out the MVP title for his state after a dominant carnival this year despite his side's poor return of results, with Curtin often among the best performers in each game despite the quality of opposition he was faced with.
After being selected in the Team of the Year, Curtin returned to the WAFL and would play in the last six games of Claremont's senior campaign, including a finals appearance, averaging 17 disposals and over four tackles.
A potential chance of earning a selection within the first five picks, Curtin is one of the more ready-made teenagers on offer at this year's draft.
Kevin Sheehan Says: A left-footed defender who experienced a frustrating run with injury during the 2022 season before getting back to play in the AFL Futures game at the MCG on AFL Grand Final day. He excelled for Team Houli with 22 disposals and nine marks to claim best-on-the-ground honours. Continued that form into this season and was outstanding for Western Australia at the National Championships winning his team's MVP award and All-Australian honours