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.
4. Darcy Moore
Stunningly, Moore was not considered for even an All-Australian squad selection let alone a place in the final 22.
Across 24 games for Collingwood, Moore was a consistent brick wall in defence after taking on the brunt of the workload in the absence of fellow tall defender Jordan Roughead.
Like the aforementioned Maynard, Moore's role in the defensive third would go a long way in Collingwood's stunning attempt at the flag, with the father-son gun again proving to be a revelation for the Magpies after beginning his career as a forward.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Moore recorded the second-lowest contested one-on-one loss rate in the AFL this year, getting beaten in just 13.3% of his 90 direct contests.
The Oakleigh Chargers product would also record the most intercept marks in the AFL in 2022 with 75 to his name.