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.
8GWS
The Giants' defence continues to churn out consistent seasons, headed by a durable backline group.
Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun and Harry Himmelberg were instrumental in ensuring the club featured in September, while the two Lachies - Whitfield and Ash - provided the dash off half-back.
However, the pair were heavily targeted by opposition, which at times, limited the usual 'Orange Tsunami'.
Joe Fonti has emerged as a replacement for Whitfield in the years to come, and was seen at senior level throughout 2025.
However, despite the offensive threats that saw Adam Kingsley's men rank among the best from scores from the defensive half, they still leaked hefty scores.
A Giants mindset can be linked to 'fight fire with fire', and 'never die wondering', which came at a cost.
