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.
16Richmond
Despite the Tigers entering a rebuild phase, their defensive profile still hosted plenty of premiership players, namely Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Broad.
Tom Brown and Sam Banks found homes playing as high half-backs, while Luke Trainor poses as a future star.
Jayden Short, when fit, was crucial to the bounce from defence with his long kicking and line-breaking dare, as Noah Balta's absence was felt.
Ben Miller emerged as a consistent performer for Adem Yze, but at times, he struggled against the best key forwards.
Although there is plenty to like, Richmond's defence still needs plenty of improvement.
