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.
1. Fremantle
Defenders: Alex Pearce, Heath Chapman, Jordan Clark, Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan, Hugh Davies, Joshua Draper, Oscar McDonald, Karl Worner, Judd McVee, Cooper Simpson, Brandon Walker
The Dockers started their rebuild under Justin Longmuir from strengthening their defence first back in 2020.
It made for a strong backline, but it also slowed down Fremantle's ball movement considerably.
In 2026, the Dockers opened up their game style which helped lead to a Grand Final, but also held onto their defensive nous finishing far ahead in points against.
After the initial scare that Alex Pearce could be out for all of 2027, the skipper is now pushing for a Round 1 return.
The Dockers have a star halfback in Jordan Clark, but need Judd McVee or Brandon Walker to come with him next season.
Key defensive pillars Brennan Cox and Oscar McDonald do what needs to be done, while the work of Heath Chapman and Karl Worner is very underrated outside of Western Australia.
Fremantle also has key defensive duo Hugh Davies and Josh Draper waiting in the wings with Luke Ryan slowing down.
