While the defence of AFL teams can go unheralded at times, it often remains the crucial difference in premiership-winning sides.

Flying under the radar of the casual fan, and irregular winners of the AFL's top awards, the Australian Rules backman epitomises selflessness and playing your role for the team.

There are hardly eye-catching stat sheets or highlight reel-worthy goals, but their fundamental ability to spoil and negate opposition forward lines is central for success.

In addition, the growing trend of speedy, skilful kickers off half-back are often underrated components that set the attack into motion.

At Zero Hanger, we've undertaken the challenge of ranking each positional line from 18-1. In the final category of this series, each club's defence is under the microscope to determine which team has the best defence heading into the 2025 season.

In part one, we've revealed the bottom six teams, ranked 18th through 13th...

3. (16th) West Coast

The Eagles can hang their hat on 2024 All-Australian Jeremy McGovern, but the bulk of their defensive talent is young or no more than a standard role player.

McGovern had a standout year and reclaimed his best form, averaging six marks and 20.6 disposals.

Co-captain Liam Duggan was solid, while Reuben Ginbey, Brady Hough, and Harry Edwards are promising youngsters likely to play a pivotal role in the future at West Coast.

The addition of Liam Baker is a strong inclusion off halfback, although it's likely Baker will shift into the midfield and potentially even inside 50 at times. Should he be in the back six however, his ruthless, tough approach to the contest will pay dividends for the Eagles.

Rhett Bazzo is another youngster vying for inclusion, as is 19-year-old Harvey Johnston. Should West Coast need to add experience, 113-gamer Tom Cole is a solid depth option.

The loss of Tom Barrass is a devastating blow to the Eagles though, leaving a large void in the key fullback position. Edwards looks likely to be the initial replacement option but with only 39 games under his belt, it's a stretch to believe he'll reach the reliability of Barrass immediately. The Eagles already ranked second-last for defensive one-on-one contests won last year, and with Barrass' exit, that metric seems unlikely to improve.

Additionally, the Eagles also conceded 101 points per game on average, the third-most per game in the AFL.

Although Baker is a strong presence to stem the Eagles' attacking transitions, West Coast failed to acquire a ready-made key backman to assist Jeremy McGovern. Edwards could potentially have a breakout season, as could a host of other young talent, but the club is currently poised for another year of defensive struggles.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Harry Edwards of the Eagles looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Round 20 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)