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.
7. Callum Wilkie
Playing a remarkable 109 games straight since his debut, Wilkie reached incredible heights in 2023 and was rewarded with his maiden All-Australian jumper.
The Saints arguably had their best season in years and Wilkie was a huge part of their success.
Averaging a staggering 19.8 disposals a game, Wilkie was clearly one of the best ball-using defenders in the entire competition.
The Saints' resurgence under Ross Lyon was due largely in part to Wilkie's incredible rise as one of the premier defenders in the entire competition.
