With the new year upon us and all 18 clubs getting stuck into the thick of pre-season, it's time to remind ourselves who are the front-runners in each position across the league.
Here is our list of the top 10 defenders in the league heading the 2021 season.
See also:
The TEN best midfielders heading into 2021
The TEN best ruckmen heading into 2021
The TEN best forwards heading into 2021
8. Luke Ryan
Ryan had a fantastic season in 2020, with the 24-year-old being the Dockers' best player in another below-par year for the club. The intercept defender finished with an elite average for disposals with 18.6 per game, and picked up a Doig Medal as well as an All-Australian blazer. With Fremantle's excellent crop of youngsters starting to come into their own, expect for Ryan to stay up amongst the best for the foreseeable future.
Luke Ryan wins Fremantle's best & fairest 🏅
Cemented himself as one of the best defenders in the game in 2020. pic.twitter.com/oUcJ8tjGn1
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 22, 2020
