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.
3. (10th) St Kilda
With injuries galore and the loss of Josh Battle, St Kilda may have to form a make-shift backline to begin 2025.
Dougal Howard's shoulder injury severity has been revealed, with the key back to be sidelined for three months, and without Howard to pair with Callum Wilkie in defence, the club is thin for ready-made key position talent.
Alix Tauru is still on the mend from a back stress fracture, and while an exciting prospect for the future, will take time to adapt to the top flight, as will another first-year player in James Barrat.
Arie Schoenmaker was drafted as a swingman and could come in, but again, he is a young, developing prospect.
Zaine Cordy seems the most viable fit, however, he is a fringe player who appeared just eight times in 2024, his lowest single-season games tally since his debut year.
The loss of Josh Battle could also significantly hurt the Saints.
Battle lost just 18.8 per cent of his defensive one-on-one contests, ranked just behind Callum Wilkie and Dougal Howard.
It means without Howard or Battle to begin the year, St Kilda are sparsely stocked with key positional talent, providing opposition key forwards with a potential mouthwatering mismatch.
However, most AFL viewers know that Ross Lyon's game strategy is heavily reliant on a sound defence. The Saints, despite their mediocre ladder finish, had the fifth-best defence in the league last year.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera provides attacking flair from the half-back line, while Jack Sinclair provides a level of star power when he is not stationed in the midfield.
Jimmy Webster will likely get a gig after maintaining his spot in the side following his heavy 2024 suspension, while Tobie Travaglia should be an early inclusion as a top draft pick, although there is potential for him to move to the wing as the season progresses.
Despite the Saints' strong defence in 2024, the loss of a star figure and the potential impact of unavailabilities place St Kilda midtable on this list.
