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.
14Port Adelaide
The Power tried new things in 2025 in Ken Hinkley's last season in charge.
Captain Connor Rozee was forced in defence to help with ball movement, while Aliir Aliir was often the lone wolf in defence, with Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher playing 13 games each.
Miles Bergman was also upgraded into the midfield at times, which left a gaping hole in the backline, while Kane Farrell emerged as the club's premier distributor.
Josh Sinn also lined up alongside Farrell to assist with transitioning from one end of the ground to the other.
Lachie Jones was a key part of Port Adelaide's backline, but was put under duress given the lack of pressure from the midfield at times.
As a result, the Power struggled to restrict the opposition in front of the big sticks, and it will be a key focus over the summer months.
