Backlines are often the key to success in the AFL world, with their team-first attitude and actions regularly the difference-maker.
At Zero Hanger, we've undertaken the challenge of ordering each club's backline 18-1 to determine which team has the stingiest defence and greatest upside in what presents to be another cutthroat season of football.
TEAMS 18-13: Every AFL team's backline ranked: Part 1
In the second instalment of our backline rankings, we've revealed the clubs placed 12th through seventh.
2. (11th) Adelaide
The Crows boast a young and rising defensive line, with the previous few rebuilding seasons allowing experience to be bled into their youth.
Now Adelaide have a host of defenders soon to be household names across the wider AFL landscape, let alone the homes of Crows supporters.
Dan Curtin, although trialled as a midfielder this pre-season, arrived as a versatile key position player in his draft year. The 19-year-old played his seven games as a swingman, kicking three goals in two games stationed forward. As a top 10 draft pick just over a year into his career, Curtin has plenty of upside.
Max Michalanney had a breakout year in 2024 after a consistent debut campaign the year before, playing all 23 games. The 2022 father-son selection averaged a tick under 14.9 disposals, 5.3 marks and three rebound 50s per game.
21-year-old Luke Nankervis averaged similar figures, with 17 disposals and five marks per game after 20 selections to the elite level. Mark Keane is expected to resume duties at fullback, while Nick Murray is another key position player to add to the back six - both players are just 24 years old.
Experienced players Wayne Milera and Brodie Smith are two more options that will be fighting for a spot in 2025, while Jordon Butts, James Borlase, Josh Worrell and Hugh Bond are youthful depth options.
The Crows ranked 10th for points conceded per game, and with an up-and-coming backline, it should not be a surprise if they become one of the better defensive sides in 2025. However, the club's bottom-four ladder position of 2024 and lack of finals appearances since the 2017 grand final indicates that the Crows can look promising, but fail to act on it.
Hence, the Crows have been placed in 11th as we await to see if their upside will finally come to fruition in 2025.
