With the new year upon us and all 18 clubs getting stuck into the thick of pre-season, it's time to remind ourselves who are the front-runners in each position across the league.

Here is our list of the top 10 defenders in the league heading the 2021 season.

See also:

The TEN best midfielders heading into 2021

The TEN best ruckmen heading into 2021

The TEN best forwards heading into 2021

6. Jacob Weitering

The 23-year-old had a great year for the Blues as they looked to improve under David Teague. The big man was included in the 40-man AA squad and was arguably hard done by not to get a spot in the final squad. Weitering averaged 5.1 contested possessions and contested defence one-on-ones per game, as well as polling an elite level number of 2.1 score involvements per game.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Jacob Weitering of the Blues handballs whilst being tackled by Jimmy Webster of the Saints during the 2017 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the St Kilda Saints at Ikon Park on March 4, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)