The backbone of your AFL Supercoach 2022 team is your defence, with plenty of quality options to pick from.
Will you go with safe options like Jake Lloyd or Jack Crisp? Or will you take a punt on the returning James Sicily or the versatile Zach Tuohy?
Sporting News looks at the prices of the AFL defenders and analyses the questions you want answered.
Top 20 Premium Defender Prices
| Name | Club | 2021 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Lloyd | Sydney | 107.8 | $586,600 |
| Jack Ziebell | North Melbourne | 107.6 | $585,800 |
| Tom Stewart | Geelong | 107.6 | $585,700 |
| Daniel Rich | Brisbane | 107.0 | $582,700 |
| Aaron Hall | North Melbourne | 105.3 | $572,900 |
| Jack Crisp | Collingwood | 104.9 | $571,000 |
| Jordan Dawson | Adelaide | 101.1 | $550,300 |
| Dyson Heppell | Essendon | 99.4 | $541,000 |
| Luke Ryan | Fremantle | 99.3 | $540,300 |
| Jordan Ridley | Essendon | 98.7 | $537,100 |
| Jayden Short | Richmond | 98.3 | $535,200 |
| Sam Docherty | Carlton | 97.9 | $533,000 |
| Bailey Dale | Western Bulldogs | 95.2 | $518,300 |
| Harris Andrews | Brisbane | 95.1 | $517,900 |
| Christian Salem | Melbourne | 94.5 | $514,500 |
| Jacob Weitering | Carlton | 94.1 | $512,200 |
| Caleb Daniel | Western Bulldogs | 93.9 | $510,900 |
| Nick Hind | Essendon | 93.0 | $506.200 |
| Isaac Cumming | GWS | 92.9 | $505,700 |
| Lachie Whitfield | GWS | 92.3 | $502,600 |
If there was ever a set-and-forget defensive option, Sydney's Jake Lloyd would be the prime candidate. The back pocket has averaged over 107 the last four seasons and is at a decent price this season, despite his no.1 defensive ranking.
North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell and Geelong stopper Tom Stewart were both prime options when on the field last season but there is question marks over whether they should be picked in 2022. Will Ziebell continue to play the Supercoach friendly role he had in 2021? Can Stewart recover from his season-ending injury to have the same impact?
Collingwood utility Jack Crisp looks like he could step up into the midfield, meaning his ability to score points and his average could rise in 2022. One to keep an eye on through pre-season with his dual-position status.
GWS star Lachie Whitfield is a hugely popular pick at $502,600, but it's worth noting he only averaged 92.3 last season, but did have an injury interrupted pre-season with a liver injury.
Essendon's Jordan Ridley could benefit from the arrival of ex-Adelaide defender Jake Kelly to The Hangar.
MORE: Price and selection guides: Midfielders | Rucks | Forwards
Cheaper Premium Defender Options
| Name | Club | 2021 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brayden Maynard | Collingwood | 92.3 | $502,500 |
| Zach Tuohy | Geelong | 87.8 | $478,100 |
| Dan Houston | Port Adelaide | 86.0 | $467,900 |
| James Sicily | Hawthorn | DNP | $448,100 |
| Jack Lukosius | Gold Coast | 80.5 | $438,500 |
| Jeremy Howe | Collingwood | 78.5 | $427,300 |
Returning Hawthorn defender James Sicily is the most popular pick in this price range, but will he return to his best in a Supercoach-friendly role?
Geelong's Zach Tuohy has handy dual-player position, but is he going to play through the midfield?
Jeremy Howe has shown Supercoach premium quality form at times through his career, but can he stay fit and be a consistent scorer for the Magpies?
Rookie Defender Options
Take a look at our full rookie and cash cow guide here.
MORE: Price and selection guides: Midfielders | Rucks | Forwards
