From leaping spoils to saving goals, the defensive roles aren't as flashy as further up the field.
The backline is the last group to receive recognition, but that doesn't mean its significance is diminished. More often than not, it's the stoppers, the restrictors and the defenders who win flags, and this list accurately reflects that.
Clubs that stormed into premiership contention were off the back of defensive improvement, while others doubled down on their standing in the competition.
At Zero Hanger, we've undertaken the challenge of ranking every club's backline from 1-18 for 2025.
18West Coast
There's no surprise that the Eagles come in last, largely due to the absence of premiership defenders Jeremy McGovern (injured) and Tom Barrass (Hawthorn).
Under the new direction of Andrew McQualter, the West Coast backline saw a lot of youngsters handed extra responsibilities.
As a result, the Western Australian club averaged the most points against (106) in the competition, and proved to be easy beats more often than not.
Liam Baker was a handy inclusion to the lineup, although he was deployed in multiple positions.
Reuben Ginbey flourished as a key defender, which will only bode well for his development, but he was also undersized and inexperienced against the league's best forwards.
Ryan Maric and mid-season pick-up Tom McCarthy found homes across half-back, utilising their elite foot skills and dare.
Premiership duo Tom Cole and Liam Duggan were a beacon of experience for McQualter, helping Sandy Brock, Rhett Bazzo and Harry Edwards adjust as mainstays in the AFL side.
