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.
3. Tom Barrass
The West Coast Eagles had one of the worst seasons ever in the history of the AFL. Despite this, key defender Tom Barrass was once again outstanding for his side.
Although the Eagles lost by over a hundred on more than one occasion, the argument can be made that without Barrass that would have been a weekly occurrence.
In an undermanned back six, Barrass was a standout for the Eagles every week. Granted, it wouldn't take an absolute superstar to be noticeable for this West Coast outfit, but Barrass is certainly one of the best defenders in the competition.
His intercept and contested marking alone put him high on this list.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
