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
4Dayne Zorko
Zorko's mid-thirties revitalisation continues to be a marvelling football story, as the now 36-year-old once again played an integral part in Brisbane's successful premiership defence.
Only three players averaged more metres gained per game than Zorko in 2025, and all of them were midfielders. Zorko's lethal kick sets up the Lions transition seamlessly, allowing him to average 6.4 rebound 50s and 5.6 score involvements per game.
Those figures rank second among listed defenders, excluding Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who transitioned to a more permanent midfield role in the final two months of the season.
