As we sit just weeks away from pre-season action, and almost one month away from the 2025 AFL season officially beginning, coaches will be looking to finalise their first selection of backmen for their opening clash of the year.
Defence is critical for success in the AFL, and in the final instalment of our backline rankings, we've determined the top six teams with the calibre to help push their club for premiership glory in 2025.
Boasting bonafide stars, a deep pool of talent, and a well-structured game plan, the top six sides in our rankings will likely be the toughest to score against this season.
TEAMS 18-13: Every AFL team's backline ranked: Part 1
TEAMS 12-7: Every AFL team's backline ranked: Part 2
Without further ado, here are Zero Hanger's final backline rankings...
4. (4th) Fremantle
Averaging the fourth-least conceded points per game in 2024, the Dockers have All-Australian talent and a fine-tuned game plan to boost their premiership odds for 2025.
Starting in the back six is 2024 All-Australian Luke Ryan, a dependable, 25-possession-a-game defender. Ryan averaged a league-leading 7.4 rebound 50s per game in 2024, and 5.8 intercept possessions.
Captain Alex Pearce is vital to the side, and his absence for eight matches in 2024 hurt the Dockers' defence at times. Pearce will be aiming for a year of full health, and if he remains fit, the Dockers should be tracking well for a finals berth.
The Dockers also have an array of reliable young role players, including Brandon Walker (22 years old), Heath Chapman (23) and Jordan Clark (24), while 26-year-old Brennan Cox still has a long future ahead.
20-year-old Josh Draper looks promising already as a key defender too, playing 20 games in 2024.
Hugh Davies and Karl Worner are two youngsters with under 10 games of experiences that could be introduced if need be as well.
Overall, the Dockers line-up is stacked with promising stars, and with their defensive-minded game plan under Justin Longmuir, Fremantle are set to be one of the best backlines in 2025.
