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.
17. Richmond
Defenders: Nick Vlastuin, Sam Banks, Luke Trainor, Ben Miller, Jayden Short, Josh Gibcus, Noah Balta, Sam Grlj, Tom Brown, Kye Annand, Campbell Gray
The Tigers had a sieve-like defence in 2026, ranking 17th for scores against. Although it was not helped by the high number of injuries to players young and old across the board.
Richmond has lost three-time premiership veteran Nathan Broad and did not bring in any defensive talent during the off-season.
The club is lucky not to receive the 18th ranking, however, the clear impact of injuries helps explain some the poor defensive performances.
Adem Yze will be counting on veterans Nick Vlastuin and Jayden Short to lead the Tigers' defence, while praying for the health of key defender Josh Gibcus who has battled constant injuries since being taken with Pick 9 back in 2023.
Richmond's key defenders will be Ben Miller, Kye Annand, Tom Brown and Noah Balta. All hard workers but not necessarily scary propositions for opposition tall forwards.
Everybody knows the Tigers are a work in progress after a mass list rebuild. The club has recruited talent, but don't expect an impenetrable defence to feature at Punt Road in 2027.
