The top 10 rated AFL defenders in 2026

A mix of half-backs who kick-start transition and lockdown talls are among the defenders viewed by fans as the best in the league. Kicking, composure and competitiveness are among the skills that bind the best together. With Zero Hanger's AFL Player Ratings, it is now possible to judge these players and assess where their seasons ranked among their peers. The fan-voted AFL Player Rater compares two players against each other based on their position by using a certified Elo rating algorithm- the same system used in global sports rankings to produce the live and real-time results. (These rankings are accurate as at May 6) Connor Rozee Player rating: 1994.3 The Port Adelaide skipper is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and has played just two games in 2026. He remains one of the Power's most important players and will be crucial to the next phase of the club's build as they look to regenerate under new coach Josh Carr. Silky skilled and capable of seizing the big moments. Jack Sinclair Player rating: 2008.8 The St Kilda co-captain racks up plenty of the footy off half-back as his side's chief distributor. Can impact in the midfield but has made his name as a run-and-gun half-back who sees the game well and makes bold decisions with the footy in his hands. Is an important part of Ross Lyon's exciting brand in 2026. Tom Stewart Player rating: 2022.5 Crucial to the way Geelong shape up with his aerial competence behind the footy, Stewart's experience is a staple for Geelong. He knows when to peel off and is competitive in one-on-ones and is also a reliable distributor. Lachie Whitfield Player rating: 2032.4 Poise, experience and skill is a lethal package and Whitfield has all three. Has long been a starter of GWS' ball movement off the half-back and has averaged 30 disposals so far in 2026. Is contracted until the end of next year. Sam Taylor Player rating: 2034.5 The 198cm defender has yet to feature in 2026 due to a high profile hamstring injury suffered in the AFL Origin game. Unheralded but highly regarded, Taylor is an exceptionally hard one-on-one matchup, rarely beaten in the air and with the mobility to go with his direct opponent on the lead. His return will be crucial as GWS attempt to spike up the ladder. Nick Blakey Player rating: 2037.4 Sydney is stacked with rockstar performers, but one of the great sights in footy is Nick Blakey blazing through the middle of the SCG and hitting a forward lace out. He finds the footy regularly and isn't afraid to take the game on with his incisive left boot. At his prime with 159 games under his belt. Josh Daicos Player rating: 2061.5 Has become a picture of consistency for Collingwood, averaging 29 disposals this season and is a high metres-gained player off the half-back line. The sort of player you can't leave unchecked because he'll get a handball receive, take off and hit a target – and his decision making regularly leads to scoring chains. Callum Wilkie Player rating: 2063.4 What a season Wilkie is having. Charged with the captaincy of St Kilda, he has averaged 26 disposals and four intercept marks so far this season. With the second longest games streak of anyone in the league, his durability is undeniable and he belongs in conversations about the best tall defender in the league. Harris Andrews Player rating: 2084.5 The Brisbane key defender has continued to be a brick wall early in 2026. Gets the opposition's best forward each week and not only quells their impact, but is a genuine offensive impact with his marking ability able to kickstart counterattack. Missed some games through suspension and the Brisbane skipper's absence was felt given the leadership and impact he provides. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera Player rating: 2134.0 The Saints star has been learning to deal with a tag early in 2026, and still managed to produce some awe-inspiring brilliance. He is thriving with the increased midfield opportunity and is punishing with his run and carry regardless of where he is playing. Most potently, he is arguably the best kick in the league.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	8	7	1	28	165.5
2	FRE	8	7	1	28	133
3	HAW	8	6	1	26	121.2
4	BL	8	5	3	20	126
5	GC	8	5	3	20	116
6	GEEL	8	5	3	20	114.6
7	MELB	8	5	3	20	100.2
8	COLL	8	4	3	18	108.6
9	STK	8	4	4	16	114.9
10	NMFC	8	4	4	16	106.1

The top 10 rated AFL defenders in 2026

Zero Hanger’s AFL Player Ratings have revealed who the fans view as the best backs in the league.

8Tom Stewart

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