SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 14: Jordan Ridley of the Bombers runs the ball during the round 2 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Essendon Bombers at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 14, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
Backlines can often do the heavy lifting in footy, especially if they're part of a side looking to turn their list around at the foot of the ladder.
With A-grade defenders a commodity in the AFL, and half-backs often going unnoticed whilst offering their best efforts, those that ply their trade down back hold an accountable role that can go unrewarded.
As made evident in last year's premiership run, a well-gelled rearguard can be the cornerstone in conjuring the right list worthy of planting their flag at the summit come the end of the season.
With the season nearing and each side looking to improve on the results of yesteryear, we profile each side's list of defenders and rank them against their league counterparts.
In part two, we look at the sides ranked 12th down to 7th.
The major flaw for the Swans is their lack of key defensive depth, with emerging tall Tom McCartin the leading option down back for the Bloods.
McCartin flew under the radar last season as he continues to rise up the ranks, however the 22-year-old is in need of greater support, with Dane Rampe and Lewis Melican seen as the only other standout options to lockdown key-position opponents.
The Swans could consider SSP selection Paddy McCartin to pair with his brother in defence, while veteran Sam Reid and swingman Hayden McLean may also be rotated through the back third.
As far as smalls, the Swans boast great ball users and accumulators, led by two-time best and fairest winner Jake Lloyd. Surrounding him is the dead-eye disposal of Braeden Campbell, incumbent Harry Cunningham and versatile defender Robbie Fox, who all played significant roles in the Swans' rise of yesteryear.
However, with the likes of Campbell and Cunningham rotating through midfield, John Longmire's defence is further stretched.
The Dockers have the list to be more than competitive against the top forward lines in the league, however their biggest downfall is the injury tolls their backmen continue to face each season.
Joel Hamling (one game), Hayden Young (eight), Alex Pearce (10), Brennan Cox (12) and Griffin Logue (16) couldn't get close to piecing together full seasons in 2021, having to balance setback after setback.
Should they finally be able to combine as a collective, Fremantle could quickly emerge as a substantial catalyst in their plans to rise back into premiership contention.
Despite the injury impacts, the Dockers were still able to rank among the top handful of sides for intercepts and rebound the ball out of their defensive 50.
The Magpies have the names to give rookie coach Craig McRae a strong level of confidence and reliance on his rearguard.
Scott Pendlebury's transition into defence is sure to add an exciting edge to the Magpies' back third, while top draftee Nick Daicos could also be utilised in a more defensive role to begin his AFL career.
Key defender Darcy Moore was framing as one of the best lockdown defenders in the league before injury impacted his season, having shown a prolific two-way ability to halt opposing attacks and move the ball forward with accuracy.
The Magpies' defence is buoyed by the run and carry of Brayden Maynard and Isaac Quaynor, while veteran high-flyer Jeremy Howe is among their best when at full fitness.
The big question mark hangs over Jordan Roughead and the key defenders that fall in line behind Moore. Having added highly-rated recruit Charlie Dean in the off-season, the Fothergill-Mitchell-Round medallist could be the answer Collingwood are searching for.
Should we see the Magpies' best backline combine, they could cause headaches for even the best sides in the AFL.
While boasting the likes of All-Australian duo Bailey Dale and Caleb Daniel, the Bulldogs failed to strike fear with their perhaps undersized key defender depths.
Both Daniel and Dale offer unmatched disposal efficiency in defence, however the Bulldogs' rearguard seems susceptible to opposing sides that threaten with height and strength in their attack.
Alex Keath will have a large task on his hands to combat the league's best forwards, with Easton Wood no longer able to play a supporting role to intercept.
Zaine Cordy, Ryan Gardner and Josh Schache are set to battle for second-string defensive duties, while the jury is still out on Tim O'Brien's ability in defence as he prepares for life as a Bulldog.
Taylor Duryea and Bailey Williams add a nice edge to their defence as hard-nosed assets, but their depth from there looks to be lacking.
Luke Beveridge may look to rotate Aaron Naughton and Tim English through defence should they require further reinforcement.
The Eagles' backline took a major hit with the loss of Brad Sheppard this off-season, a member of Adam Simpson's side that played a significant role while perhaps flying under the radar across his tenure in the royal blue and gold.
His service will likely be filled by a number of Eagles looking to break the barrier and secure themselves as a best 22 feature, with Alex Witherden, Harry Edwards and Luke Foley hoping to see more minutes this year.
Trio Tom Cole, Jackson Nelson and Josh Rotham will be looking to hold their roles as they enter a new season, having all played at least 19 matches last season.
Veteran half-back Shannon Hurn will continue to add a great service out of defence, but it's the key-position pairing of Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass that lead the charge for West Coast.
Should the destructive duo stay fit, they'll give the Eagles a strong chance each weekend.
The Bombers' backline reached impressive heights last season as they forged a number of hidden gems, both externally and from within their own four walls.
The arrival of Nick Hind quickly injected pace and edge to Ben Rutten's defensive third, while Jayden Laverde's newfound ability to flourish as a lockdown defender was one of several catalysts in their finals return.
Add in the reliable role of Jordan Ridley, the rise of Mason Redman, the leadership of Dyson Heppell and the acquisition of Crow Jake Kelly, and you can see the picture Rutten is looking to paint.
Veteran Michael Hurley is a question mark for this year, but shall he be deemed fit, will add another string to the Bombers' defensive bow.
The Bombers will also look to utilise taller James Stewart and Aaron Francis through defensive rotations.