Defenders are arguably the most crucial players on the ground at any time during a game of AFL.
Whilst awards such as the Brownlow and Coleman Medal are highly respected, an award for the game's best defender is yet to be added to the AFL's top awards. Whilst the Brownlow can of course be won by any player, it is undoubtedly a 'midfielder's award' rather than a title for any player.
Whether it be a game-saving mark, diving interception, or a punch of the footy that would make the late great Danny Frawley proud, defenders deserve more recognition in our great game.
In 2023, plenty of defenders had phenomenal seasons. In this list, we tried to break down and order the ten best of the season just passed.
1. Sam Taylor
In one of the most heavily debated 'should he or shouldn't he' All-Australian stories, Sam Taylor takes the cake on top of our defender list.
Regardless of his omission from the 2023 All-Australian side, Taylor is head and shoulders above the rest of the defenders in the competition.
With a brilliant kick and an incredible ability to win a one-on-one contest, Taylor proved his value time and time again for the Giants.
Without Taylor this season, the Giants tended to struggle, relying on a smaller backline. As soon as Taylor came back into the side, the difference in confidence and of course games won was noticeable.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
