AFL Supercoach 2023: Defender bargains, prices and selection guide

Kieran Francis

AFL Supercoach 2023: Defender bargains, prices and selection guide image

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.

Angus Brayshaw.jpg
Getty Images

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.

Nick Daicos - Collingwood
Getty Images

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

Kieran Francis

Kieran Francis Photo

Kieran Francis is a senior editor at The Sporting News based in Melbourne, Australia. He started at Sportal.com.au before being a part of the transition to Sporting News in 2015. Just prior to the 2018 World Cup, he was appointed chief editor of Goal.com in Australia. He has now returned to The Sporting News where his passions lay in football, AFL, poker and cricket - when he is not on holiday.