While less celebrated in the AFL, defenders have continued to do the heavy lifting on the last line for little credit in return.
The last several seasons have seen wave after wave of fresh faces stamp their authority as the leading backmen in the competition, with 2022 being no different.
This year's All-Australian back six saw four players earn their maiden blazers, meaning the last four years have included 20 different defenders in the backline.
Geelong, Melbourne and Fremantle ranked as the leading defensive clubs in 2022, with the former's rearguard proving decisive on their way to premiership glory.
Here we rank the top 10 defenders from the 2022 season.
6. Brayden Maynard
The fiery Magpie put his stamp on the competition this year as Collingwood sky-rocketed back into premiership contention, with many thanks going to Maynard and the rest of the Magpies' backline.
As a collective, Craig McRae's rearguard stood tall to assist the black and white back into the top four and fall a kick short of a grand final berth.
Among the star names from their season was Maynard, who would be Collingwood's only All-Australian selection after a year that was littered with career highs and highlights.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Maynard's ability to contend with both tall and small targets was on show this season, with the South Australian recording the fourth lowest contested one-on-one losing percentage in the league at 18.9% (min. 50 contested one-one-one contests).
The Magpies' backman would also record the second most tackles among defenders, flexing his ability to also cause headaches once the ball hit the deck.
