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.
13. Melbourne
Defenders: Christian Salem, Jake Lever, Xavier Lindsay, Daniel Turner, Koltyn Tholstrup, Changkuoth Jiath, Jake Bowey, Xavier Taylor, Blake Howes, Jed Adams, Oscar Berry, Ricky Mentha, Lukas Cooke
Melbourne has come from the Brisbane school of thought in 2026; focus on your offence and bet you can out play and score greater than your opposition.
It made for eye-catching and brilliant football that nearly netted the Dees a top four spot, but eventually led to them falling out in the Wildcard Round.
The only teams that conceded more points against in 2026 were the Suns, Roos, Tigers, Eagles and Bombers. Not great company to be in defensively. And the club didn't get stronger - aside from a nearly delisted Bodie Ryan - in that department during the trade period, losing the experienced Trent Rivers.
Melbourne is backing in its recent slew of draftees and the likes of Xavier Taylor and Xavier Lindsay show certain promise.
But with an aging Jake Lever the only experienced key defender to partner the emerging Daniel Turner; the hopes of the club getting stronger defensively seem slim in 2027.
Koltyn Tholstrup's improvement was a positive sign.
