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...
5. (14th) Carlton
Jacob Weitering headlines the Blues' defence after an All-Australian season in 2024. However, the former Pick 1 is the glue for the back six, and without his leadership, the Blues' defence on paper looks second-rate.
Veteran Nick Haynes joins the club from GWS and could be a solid inclusion, yet could also get caught by Father Time and not be of much impact.
The Blues are also without Nic Newman this year after he tore his patella tendon, a devastating blow due to Newman's reliability in the defensive arc.
Adam Saad and Mitch McGovern are further valuable contributors but yet again are into their 30s and have had injury-riddled recent years.
Oliver Hollands is promising however at 21, offering dash and dare likewise to his brother Elijah on the wing.
The depth options at the Blues are limited however, and should the club aim to push past their fringe mid-20-year-olds, they'll have to introduce untried talent.
Alex Cincotta, Jordan Boyd and Lewis Young are the main fringe three, each no younger than 26 and combine for a total of 133 games played, and besides 20-year-old Lachlan Cowan, the remainder of the talent is uncapped.
The Blues ranked 14th for points against in 2024, highlighting the lack of depth in the backline, as comparatively, they ranked top-four for their own scoring prowess.
It's a tale of two sides for Carlton - their attack is arguably competition-leading while their defence is behind the eight ball. Whether it is a lack of depth or tactical nous, the Blues' defence will have their work cut out for them to improve, with a deep September charge reliant on their headway.
