Opinion The Back Pocket - 2023 Defensive List Previews

[Jackington]

As we head into the 2023 season, The Back Pocket takes a look at each team's backlines, and how they stack up.

Bringing you three team reviews a day in the lead up to the 2023 AFL Season.

 

[Jackington]

First off the blocks, Adelaide:

2023 Defence Ratings: Adelaide Crows

How is the Adelaide Crows Backline looking in 2023? Who has come in? Who has gone out?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Next up, Brisbane:

2023 Defence Ratings: Brisbane Lions

How are Brisbane's defensive stocks looking in 2023? Will Harris Andrews perform as well with the captaincy?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Third off the bat, and the final one for today, Carlton:

2023 Defence Ratings: Carlton

Calrton had a number of bargain finds down back in 2022, but will they string it together into something meaningful in 2023?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Fourth off the blocks, Collingwood

2023 Defence Ratings: Collingwood

2022 Numbers:Points Against (Brennan Jakovich Shield): 1763 - 8thInside 50's Against Per Goal: 4.48 - 8thScarlett Silvagni Medal Votes: 20 - 14thDefenders:Keys: Charlie Dean, Billy Frampton, Jeremy Howe, Will Kelly, Darcy Moore, Nathan MurphyGeneral: Nick Daicos, Arlo Draper, Oleg Markov...

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Next up, the perennial disappointers, Essendon

2023 Defence Ratings: Essendon

Talent isn't enough to win you finals, so where does Essendon's improvement come from? A new coach?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Next up, one of the best in 2022, Fremantle;

2023 Defence Ratings: Fremantle

Fremantle were arguably both the best and most improved backline in the AFL in 2022, but can they back it up in 2023?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Now for the 2022 premiers, Geelong:

2023 Defence Ratings: Geelong

Two All Australians, Runner Up Rising Star, Flag. Will Geelong's backline improve, slide or stagnate?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Following up from that, the Gold Coast Suns:

2023 Defence Ratings: Gold Coast Suns

A team that promises so much, but delivers so little; Gold Coast. A quality backline, but can they make it count?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Up next, GWS Giants:

2023 Defence Ratings: Greater Western Sydney

In 2022 GWS plummeted from a semi-final to 16th position, ahead of only North and West Coast. Where to from here?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Next Up; Sam Mitchell's long term project, Hawthorn;

2023 Defence Ratings: Hawthorn

They had a fire sale in 2022, have a defender as captain, and are looking to rebuild rapidly. What next for the Hawks?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

And now for arguably the best backline in the AFL, Melbourne

https://www.thebackpocketau.com/post/2023-defence-ratings-melbourne/

 

[Jackington]

Next up, a possibly underrated backline; Port Adelaide:

2023 Defence Ratings: Port Adelaide

Port's backline was one of the best in the competition in 2022 on numbers alone, so why did they finish two games outside of the eight?

www.thebackpocketau.com

 

[Jackington]

Wooden spoon in hand, and their second best key delisted, where to now for North Melbourne?

2023 Defence Ratings: North Melbourne

Wooden Spoon. Most points against. Third easiest backline to score against. Where to from here?

www.thebackpocketau.com