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.
7. Brisbane
Defenders: Jaspa Fletcher, Tom Doedee, Dayne Zorko, Luke Lloyd, Zane Zakostelsky, Ty Gallop, Darcy Gardiner, Harris Andrews, Ryan Lester, Shadeau Brain, Jack Payne, Darcy Wilmot, Noah Answerth
It's bizarre to have the three-time reigning premier's defence ranked seventh in the league. But the old saying that defence wins you premierships has not been as accurate in recent seasons.
The Lions' defenders are no slouches, Harris Andrews is arguably the game's best key defender while Dayne Zorko and Darcy Wilmot are amazing flying off halfback.
However, that is the point. Brisbane kills you with an all-conquering attack.
Chris Fagan's men conceded over 100 points against on 10 occasions in 2026, that's more than West Coast (albeit finals included). Brisbane's average points against across four finals was just shy of 111.
The Lions' game plan was to do enough to hold their opposition forward lines from dominating, while backing in their counterattacking halfback flankers and scarily potent forward line to conquer all. And they have done. Three times in a row.
One concern for the Lions is that Zorko will be 38 when the season starts next year and the club just lost its back up player in Keidean Coleman to Essendon.
