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.
11Sydney
The Swans struggled in defence this year, especially when Tom McCartin was swung forward, but still proved lethal via Nick Blakey, Jake Lloyd and Riley Bice.
Dean Cox's first season in charge didn't go as planned, and he was forced to throw the magnets around due to injury.
Sam Wicks in defence was a stroke of genius, and it looks like he will continue in that role going forward, while Angus Sheldrick as a distributor could be vital.
Sydney largely played undersized, which at times was the major difference in the result, whilst relying heavily on the pressure up the field.
Lewis Melican and Dane Rampe were valiant in effort, but needed more assistance, which has proven to be the Swans' kryptonite.
