The only defender that looks vulnerable is McKenna at this stage. In 2025, with Coleman back, Zorko on the Half Back line and Wilmott and Reville in that rotation, we have plenty of rebound, run and transition capacity out of defence. Coleman adds intercept marking to the mix too. McKenna really only runs one way and his lack of defensive ability / willingness, especially in terms of tackling and playing his opponent close, will cost him his spot. Lester, Starcevich, Andrews and Payne are a super tight defensive unit and individually, all are in front of McKenna. Gardiner is even further back and Doedee, who is still an unknown quantity in our team, only comes in if someone is injured. Answerth is going to have to reinvent himself somewhere else perhaps, because Reville has rocketed past him.
Whilst I agree that McKenna isn't the player he was last year, I don't agree that Reville has gone past Answerth in isolation. They are completely different players.
Even with Coleman back, I can see Answerth being back in the mix also, as we can't have a majority of our small/med defenders being attacking players, especially when we continue to be susceptible to opposition small forwards.
I had my doubts on Answerth earlier this year, but besides the first 15 or so minutes in his first game, I thought he was rock solid as a lockdown defender, and was pretty unlucky to be moved to sub when he did (which seemed to also disrupt his ability to get into the game).
With the influx of returning and drafted talent next year, Reville could be a fringe player still, with the half forward/wing options potentially available. Damn good fringe player if that's the case.
BTW, no way Doedee only comes in if someone is injured (provided he's fit, of course). We didn't spend quite a bit of $$$ on a highly regarded free agent to have him as backup. If he's fit, he'll be replacing Lester in the 22 in 2025.