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.
4. Darcy Moore
The premiership captain had to feature on this list. Darcy Moore had his best season so far in his career, topped off by winning the flag in his first campaign as captain.
Moore seemed like the perfect successor to former captain Scott Pendlebury, and he proved that he was the right choice.
Renowned for his ability to intercept and move the ball quickly, Moore is an interesting defender in which he attacks just as well as he defends.
In most Collingwood passages of play, Moore will advance the ball forward but can also comfortably keep a key forward quiet.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
