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
2Sam Taylor
The two-time All-Australian took his game to new heights in 2025, dominating in nearly every defensive facet.
Only Darcy Moore faced more defensive one-on-one contests, and Taylor's loss percentage of 16.9% is a historic number that ranks him among the league's elite.
