In the goal of setting your AFL Supercoach team apart from the rest, defenders are always a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Traditionally rebounding defenders have been the ticket to success but there has been a rise of intercept players in recent times.
The Sporting News helps you with your defensive options for AFL Supercoach 2023.
Top 20 Premium Defender Prices
| Name | Club | 2022 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Sinclair | St Kilda | 113.7 | $626,200 |
| James Sicily | Hawthorn | 113.5 | $624,700 |
| Tom Stewart | Geelong | 109.7 | $604,000 |
| Sam Docherty | Carlton | 109.6 | $603,600 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide | 109.5 | $603,100 |
| Shannon Hurn | West Coast | 105.0 | $577,800 |
| Adam Saad | Carlton | 103.1 | $567,900 |
| Bailey Dale | Western Bulldogs | 101.9 | $561,100 |
| Alex Witherden | West Coast | 100.3 | $552,400 |
| Angus Brayshaw | Melbourne | 100.0 | $550,300 |
| Nick Vlastuin | Richmond | 99.6 | $548,200 |
| Dan Houston | Port Adelaide | 99.0 | $545,100 |
| Aaron Hall | North Melbourne | 97.8 | $538,600 |
| Luke Ryan | Fremantle | 96.5 | $531,600 |
| Daniel Rich | Brisbane | 96.5 | $531,100 |
| Isaac Cumming | GWS | 94.7 | $521,100 |
| Mason Redman | Essendon | 92.8 | $510,900 |
| Tom Barrass | West Coast | 92.8 | $510,900 |
| Hayden Young | Fremantle | 92.3 | $508,200 |
| Steven May | Melbourne | 92.2 | $507,400 |
St Kilda's Jack Sinclair had a breakout year in 2022 but will be he be able to sustain his form at such a high price?
Hawthorn should see plenty of ball in their backline to make James Sicily a solid pick once again, while Tom Stewart is always a dependable option.
Sam Docherty enjoyed a return to form last season and could be set for another big year, particularly with the injury to Zac Williams.
Jordan Dawson has assumed the Adelaide captaincy and will be set for a big season, while Adam Saad and Bailey Dale could be improvers.
Angus Brayshaw could be a value pick, especially if he plays midfield, and Mason Redman looks ready to star in 2023.
Cheaper Premium Defender Options
| Name | Club | 2022 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Lloyd | Sydney | 92.1 | $507,300 |
| Daniel Rioli | Richmond | 92.1 | $507,000 |
| Nick Daicos | Collingwood | 91.3 | $502,500 |
| Harry Himmelberg (FWD) | GWS | 90.6 | $499,000 |
| Christian Salem | Melbourne | 70.9 | $390.400 |
| Elliot Yeo | West Coast | 68.0 | $337,000 |
| Jack Bowes | Geelong | 63.0 | $277,500 |
Once upon a time Jake Lloyd was the must-have defender. Can he get back to those levels?
Daniel Rioli looked at home playing on the half-back line and could be ready to explode this season, while Nick Daicos is a solid pick barring any second campaign blues.
If Harry Himmelberg plays in defence he should be a lock for your team and Elliot Yeo is huge value if he is over his injury issues.
Rookie Defender Options
Check out our guide to AFL Supercoach rookies in 2023: AFL Supercoach 2023: Rookies, cash cows and cheapies to keep an eye on