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.
4. (9th) Gold Coast
The Suns have the potential to blossom in 2025.
Mac Andrew is positioned to eclipse his breakout year, while Sam Collins and Sam Flanders each had their own respective career-best seasons.
Youngster Bodhi Uwland could flourish in his third year, while an array of options provide Damien Hardwick with plenty of depth to dig into. Wil Powell and Charlie Ballard likely walk straight into the best 23, while Joel Jeffrey, Connor Budarick, Sean Lemmens and Lachie Weller are dependable fringe members of the team.
Then there are the imports of triple-premiership Tiger Daniel Rioli and Magpie John Noble, who add an extra layer of talent to the halfback flank.
The concern for Gold Coast is that they ranked 12th for points against in 2024, and their additions of Rioli and Noble don't necessarily improve their nullifying of opposition forward lines. The former Tiger and Pie rather create pace and line-breaking ability from halfback, which will surely improve the Suns' offence, but perhaps not create a lockdown defensive unit.
The list on paper is star-studded and could help contend for the Suns' maiden finals berth, but the back six will have to improve their stinginess if they are to propel the club into uncharted territory.
