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

4. Dylan Grimes

The Tigers' main man in defence had another stand-out year for the club as they made it three flags from four attempts. The key defender was pivotal at key moments for Richmond, and did a good job quashing out attacks with his impressive overhead marking ability. Grimes averaged 1.8 tackles per game, 6.8 pressure acts and 0.9 score launches as well as picking up an A.A. nomination as well as finishing 7th in the Tigers B&F.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Dylan Grimes of the Tigers and Charles Cameron of the Lions in action during the 2019 AFL round 23 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)