Continuing our positional rankings ahead of the 2026 season, our focus now turns to those who excel at intercepting, offensive transition and crucial lockdown roles.
This list is not just about pure stats, but also considers overall impact, versatility and the ability to influence games from the backline in this mix of half-back generals and key defender stalwarts.
So, who were the 10 best defenders in the 2025 AFL season? Before we delve into the 10 best defenders, here is a group of players unlucky not to be rewarded with a spot on the list.
Unlucky to miss:
Jack Sinclair - 27.0 disposals, 494.7 metres gained, 4.7 rebound 50s
Nick Blakey - 21.4 disposals, 557.7 metres gained, 6.3 rebound 50s
Lachie Ash - 28.7 disposals, 553.0 metres gained, 6.3 rebound 50s
Lachie Whitfield - 27.0 disposals, 487.6 metres gained, 5.4 rebound 50s
Jacob Weitering - 13.7 disposals, 7.0 marks, 12.7% defensive 1v1 contests lost
Darcy Moore - 10.6 disposals, 4.5 marks, 7.2 spoils
6Jordan Clark
The first time All-Australian has deservedly found himself on this list as he became recognised as Fremantle's commander from their defensive half.
Clark led the Dockers in metres gained, averaged 5.2 rebound 50s per game (a career-high) and took 6.4 intercepts per game. Only star key defender Alex Pearce averaged more.
Clark's 4.1 score involvements per game may not seem like anything to go crazy over, but they were the most recorded by a Dockers defender this year and ranks in the top 20 for AFL listed defenders in 2025, highlighting the paramount importance Clark holds in the purple chevron guernsey.
