Every AFL club's squad for the 2027 season is coming together, so how does each team's back, midfield and forward line stack up with their rivals?
We at Zero Hanger will be going through all 18 clubs analysing and ranking them 1-18 across all three thirds of the ground, starting with the backline.
While the draft, delisted free agent signing period and trial spots remain for clubs to recruit players, the majority of each team's starting 23 are in place.
Focusing on the players at their disposal, their style of football in 2026, and with a look forward to Round 1, 2027, this is how we ranked every club 1-18 for its defence.
18. Essendon
Defenders: Andrew McGrath, Jacob Farrow, Kyle Langford, Lewis Hayes, Harrison Jones, Archie Roberts, Zach Reid, Mason Redman, Jaxon Prior, Ben McKay, Jaxon Artemis, Zak Johnson, Lachie Blakiston, Cillian Bourke
There should be some serious concerns about Essendon's defence heading into 2027. The club finished 18th for points against this year and has since lost gun key defender Jordan Ridley to Geelong.
However, under new coach Mark McVeigh there finally seems to be a genuine emphasis on team pressure, tackling and defence.
Essendon has brought in Brisbane half-back flanker Keidean Coleman who will provide some dare, class and dash for the Dons.
With McVeigh and new general manager of football John Longmire at the helm, Bombers fans should feel confident that their defence will at least improve next season. It's hard to see how it gets worse.
Andrew McGrath is doing his best, but he is not an amazing lockdown small defender and the club is vulnerable there.
As it is with its key defensive posts with the future of former big recruit Ben McKay completely unclear.
Exciting elements are the continuity Zach Reid found in his body, while the work of halfback Archie Roberts is special for a young player. But beyond that there could be awful trouble defensively at the Bombers next year.
