Continuing our positional rankings ahead of the 2026 season, our focus now turns to those who excel at intercepting, offensive transition and crucial lockdown roles.
This list is not just about pure stats, but also considers overall impact, versatility and the ability to influence games from the backline in this mix of half-back generals and key defender stalwarts.
So, who were the 10 best defenders in the 2025 AFL season? Before we delve into the 10 best defenders, here is a group of players unlucky not to be rewarded with a spot on the list.
Unlucky to miss:
Jack Sinclair – 27.0 disposals, 494.7 metres gained, 4.7 rebound 50s
Nick Blakey – 21.4 disposals, 557.7 metres gained, 6.3 rebound 50s
Lachie Ash – 28.7 disposals, 553.0 metres gained, 6.3 rebound 50s
Lachie Whitfield – 27.0 disposals, 487.6 metres gained, 5.4 rebound 50s
Jacob Weitering – 13.7 disposals, 7.0 marks, 12.7% defensive 1v1 contests lost
Darcy Moore – 10.6 disposals, 4.5 marks, 7.2 spoils
10Josh Battle
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 14: Josh Battle of the Hawks in action during the 2025 AFL Round 01 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 14, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Battle was one of the league’s best one-on-one defenders in 2025, losing just 18.5% of his 2.3 one-on-one defensive contests per game. Among listed key defenders, Battle also averaged the third-highest tackles per game, highlighting his versatility in defence, both aerially and on the ground.
However, where Battle really stood out for the Hawks was his lethal disposal efficiency that regularly turned defensive half possessions into scores. Among key defenders, he ranks third in score involvements per game and generated 3.5 rebound 50s per game, second at the Hawks behind James Sicily.
Battle was the perfect off-season addition for the Hawks and will surely play a factor in their attempt at a deep run in September in 2026.