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...

2. Connor O'Sullivan

FULL PROFILE
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.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Connor O'Sullivan of the Allies during the 2023 U18 Championships match between Allies and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on June 11, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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:ย Athletic tall defender who was outstanding for the title-winning Allies at the National Championships winning their MVP award and All-Australian honours.ย  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.