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
5Callum Wilkie
St Kilda's captain in waiting was arguably the biggest All-Australian snub in 2025 following a dominant career-best season that saw the Saints be forced into renegotiating his contract to ensure he did not depart the club for greater reward.
His cool-headed presence in defensive 50 has ensured Ross Lyon's defensive gameplan has thrived at St Kilda, leading the Saints in intercept marks in three of the past four seasons.
His marking game continues to be his strong point, leading the AFL in the metric this season with 8.4 per game in 2025.
He also faced almost as many defensive one-on-one contests as any other key back, and among the 27 averaging at least two per game, had the seventh-best win percentage.
