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.
3Hawthorn
It is obvious to understand where Hawthorn's improvement came from: Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.
The former Saint Battle was rewarded with All-Australian honours, showcasing his incredible fortitude to restrict tall and small forwards, while being an active distributor.
The role Battle played freed up the likes of Blake Hardwick and James Sicily, who were swung between either end.
Barrass locked down a key defensive post to good effect alongside the ultra-aggressive Jack Scrimshaw.
That leaves the likes of Jarman Impey and Karl Amon as the rebounders, who forced rivals to place greater attention on their preparation for Hawks matches.
The pair had the perfect blend of dash and ball use. And that was without Josh Weddle for the majority of the year, who dealt with injury while honing his craft in other positions.
The entire group was also second for intercepts in the competition.
