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...

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1. Dan Curtin

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.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Daniel Curtin of the Team Houli Squad poses for a photo during the 2022 AFL Futures match between Team Houli and Team Murphy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

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

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