The demand for key defenders is likely to be high come this year's trade window, with several clubs keen to bolster their backline while others may need to find reinforcements for potentially departing defenders.
While many clubs could be in the market for a tall backman, the high-priced options likely on offer may not appease those looking to add to their list.
GWS' 15-game stopper Leek Aleer looks to be the standout option as the former Central District defender weighs up his future with the Giants, while St Kilda have been heavily tied to the fringe defender.
Other clubs who might be keen to join the Saints in looking to lure Aleer out of New South Wales are unlikely to compete with St Kilda's financial flexibility, which could see the Moorabbin club pay above the market price for rival assets in the hope of securing their services.
Clubs needing key defenders could look to uncover a diamond in the rough; an off-contract backman who has shown glimpses but is struggling to secure senior minutes in 2025.
Richmond's Jacob Blight has shown plenty of promise in under 12 months since his AFL debut, with the 196cm backman a strong one-on-one defender who can also move the ball by foot with accuracy.
The Tigers' balance of looking to their youth while remaining competitive has left Blight in limbo, placing him on the periphery of Adem Yze's best 23 while also being shifted to roles further up the field.
Blight has remained competitive when utilised in attack, while a pinch-hit ruck role has also uncovered some positives. But with his best position being in defence, would Blight, and another club, benefit from a change?
The Tigers have Noah Balta, Ben Miller and Nathan Broad holding down the fort, while cubs Luke Trainor, Campbell Gray and Josh Gibcus look to be the long-term options.
The likely preference of youth in the Richmond rebuild could place Blight on the outer, while the opposite situation seems to be keeping Hawthorn youngster Jai Serong from getting a spot under Sam Mitchell.
The 10-gamer hasn't played this season after featuring in Hawthorn's past three campaigns, with the arrival of Josh Battle and Tom Barrass hindering his selection prospects in 2025.
Serong only managed the five games last year, giving him a larger spell in the VFL, where he was named in the Team of the Year squad and took out best and fairest honours. The 22-year-old has remained a starring force for Box Hill this year, with James Sicily's current absence not enough to earn Serong a recall.
Set to see the end of his contract with the Hawks this year, the Gippsland product is another fringe defender who could flourish elsewhere if given the opportunity.
The clubs likely in the market for defensive reinforcements include Carlton, Collingwood, West Coast, Melbourne, Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Sydney.
The Blues have found some positives in Jack Silvagni and Nick Haynes, but with the latter being 33 years old, Carlton could need to look for a younger ready-made option to work with Silvagni and Weitering.
Collingwood are in a similar position. While being one of the better defences this year, the reliance on Jeremy Howe, who turns 35 this month, remains a concern.
West Coast have lost Barrass and could be without Jeremy McGovern going forward, leaving Andrew McQualter to potentially return to the key defender market after adding Sandy Brock in the pre-season, with Harry Edwards their other tall option down back.
Melbourne have continued to shift their key position options at either end, while their most relied-upon trio of Steven May, Jake Lever and Tom McDonald are into the twilight of their careers.
Port Adelaide could again look to strengthen their rearguard despite securing Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher 18 months ago, while the Saints too might look to a Blight or Serong type despite their aforementioned interest in Aleer.
Sydney have struggled to stop key forwards this campaign, with some further support for Tom McCartin needed.
