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If we take a look back at the premiers from the last three years (Hawthorn, Sydney and Geelong) they all have a recurring feature that brought their clubs premiership success – a solid defence.
As modern football shows us, the ball movement and agility of forwards continues to grow as we now see players such as Lance Franklin, at over six foot four, just as good on ground as he is in the air, with strength and pace making him arguably the hardest forward to play in the game.
This being said, it is up to the backs to keep the team focused, unified and consistent throughout the duration of the match.
Here is a preview of the best defender at your club and why.
Adelaide: Rory Laird
This dogged defender from Adelaide has serious guts and determination when he puts on the Crows jumper.
As a young prospect, he showed great potential last year and really demonstrates leadership on the field from a young age.
Expect him again to play on the small forwards this year and take a role like Graham Johncock had for so much of his career.
Brisbane: Pearce Hanley
Hanley is such a damaging half back who had the ability to push forward and kick goals, changing the momentum in matches he played in 2013.
One example of this was against North Melbourne last year, when his two goals late in the match brought the game back to life in front of his home fans at the Gabba.
Hanley is such an impressive player who is always improving and is a key for the Lions not only for this year but seasons ahead under new coach Justin Leppitsch.
Carlton: Andrew Walker
Probably one of the most influential players at the Blues who is a genuine swingman for Carlton.
His ability to create, run and bring other players into the game is fantastic to watch and he brings so much more fluency and excitement to the Blues game.
Massive player again for Carlton this year who needs to spend more time on the field than the sidelines.
Collingwood: Ben Reid
Possibly the best key defender in the game, Ben Reid is continually performing for the Pies and last year went forward numerous times, creating more opportunities which they needed last season.
His ability to read the ball in the air and outclass the opposition key forward makes him so difficult to break.
If anyone has the wood on him however it’s Lance Franklin – watch out for this match-up when the Swans meet the Pies at ANZ stadium this season.
Essendon: Brendon Goddard
What an impact Goddard made last year moving over from the Saints. His ball winning ability, decision making and leadership on-field makes him influence the Bombers throughout the duration of the game.
Goddard is an impact player, who uses the ball so well from half back and is so tough and hard at it when in the midfield.
It’s crucial for the Bombers this year Goddard remains fit.
Fremantle: Luke McPharlin
He may not get all the recognition at Fremantle but McPharlin is a consistent performer going into his 13th AFL season.
McPharlin missed crucial games last year but was again a brilliant performer in all three finals that Fremantle played.
We all know that you need a defence to win a flag and for Freo to win this year, they need the consistency again from Luke McPharlin.
Geelong: Harry Taylor
Geelong are known a having a very strong defence with such a balance across the board and Harry Taylor is the rock of this defence.
He takes the best forward every week, impacts contests across the board and pushes forward when the Cats need him too and has the ability to kick bags.
Such a crucial player for Geelong to have for both their structure and their Plan B when they start to fall behind, Taylor is always in the thick of the action – whether that is down back or in the goal square.
Gold Coast Suns: Rory Thompson
Rory Thompson was the most improved backman in the competition, able to nullify all the big players he played on and having to take the best forward every week.
His ability to read the ball in the air against his opponent makes him such a difficult prospect for an opposition forward. A tall marking forward has to change their game as Thompson is so good at getting the ball to ground for the half backs to mop up and clear the defensive 50.
Another big year needed from the big centre half back.
GWS Giants: Phil Davis
Heath Shaw is the obvious choice as an important defender for the Giants this year, but Davis as co-captain and young leader needs to continually improve to contribute heavily to the young side.
He hasn’t been able to reach his top form that he had at Adelaide since moving, but he has the potential and has gradually got better in his new role.
Expecting a jump from both Phil and GWS this year at Homebush and beyond.
Hawthorn: Brian Lake
What a difference 12 months makes! From having September off with the Dogs, to winning the premiership and the prestigious Norm Smith Medal, Brian Lake added stability to the Hawthorn forward line in 2013, and he was the puzzle piece Hawthorn missed the previous season.
Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Matt Suckling and the likes are all quality defenders, however it was the inclusion of Brian Lake that made the difference at Glenferrie last year
Melbourne: Jack Grimes
A really underrated defender in the AFL, Jack Grimes has has to suffer through some pretty difficult times at Melbourne but has still played some reasonable football.
As a young leader he is both an on and off-field example for his young side and under coach Paul Roos I am expecting another big jump in his games.
He has the potential to be another elite defender as a still-young but experienced player in the AFL.
North Melbourne: Scott Thompson
Scott Thompson may be a pest on the field, but he is sure one good defender.
He plays an excellent, dogged defending style, something that was seen so often in previous decades. He plays very tight on his opponents and backs himself in the air with good strength that he possesses.
Strong mentally and very rarely loses focus during a match, a very handy prospect for North.
Port Adelaide: Hamish Hartlett
Although spending lots of time in the midfield, Hartlett is damaging off half back with a great ability to make good decisions and rebound effectively. His influence over a game can be significant as he is a ball magnet and can use the ball well with his long penetrating leg. Expecting another big year from Hartlett in 2014, possibly spending some time down forward as well.
Richmond: Brandon Ellis
Very talented young footballer who really progressed last year in terms of stats and his leadership.
Ellis and Steven Morris were influential for Richmond as young players who racked up the disposals, even if they didn’t get the deserved attention they should have.
Ellis also pushed forward, kicking multiple goals and spent some quality time in the midfield as he built his engine.
A fine young prospect for the Tigers, watch out again for Brandon Ellis.
St Kilda: Sam Fisher
A warrior and a veteran around the AFL circuit, Sam Fisher has consistently held his own at the Saints.
After making a good start to his career, Fisher has been generally reliable as a defender and has the ability to play on both talls and smalls, using his weight and marking ability well in contests.
A three-time grand finalist and experienced campaigner, it may be a tough year for the Saints but Sam Fisher is one constant for them.
Sydney: Nick Malceski and Jarrad McVeigh
I just couldn’t separate them. Two of the most influential players for their side in the competition, both were crucial in their victorious year in 2012 and excellent again last year.
Sydney are known to be a massive threat this year with the inclusion of Buddy Franklin and Kurt Tippett, but these two guys still need special attention.
Great players with huge amounts of skill, great decision making and can push forward to as they rack up the possessions.
Two genuine guns and the best pair in AFL football, contributing significantly for the Swans.
Western Bulldogs: Rob Murphy
Been exceptional for the Dogs for many years now and has a crucial role as the young Dogs continue to develop.
He has been through the disappointment of not reaching the ‘Granny’ in the Brad Johnson era, but as the dogs rebuild it is important for him to keep some form down back.
He probably won’t be their for a Dogs premiership, but his influence cannot be underestimated.
Team player and a good rebounder off half back, big year again for Rob.
West Coast: Eric Mackenzie
After now playing 99 games and being solid for the Eagles, this could be a breakout year for the 26-year-old.
Solid progress over the last couple of years, taking the key defender most weeks with Darren Glass as a mature combination down back.
West Coast however again suffered with issues down back last year, if Mackenzie can fulfil his potential and make himself elite down there, big things could happen at West Coast in 2014.
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