With the new A-League Men's season just around the corner, Sporting News has ranked the competition's top five full-backs.
The best full-backs in the league have been selected based on their previous performances and overall pedigree.
Join in the conversation on Sporting News Australia's Facebook page with your top five or any changes you would make.
5. Josh Risdon (Western United)
While injuries ruined his 2020-21 season, Risdon remains one of the best full-backs in the A-League Men.
His first season with Western United showed exactly why as he defended strongly and proved invaluable moving forward as he contributed eight assists from just 20 appearances.
The 29-year-old is set to play his 200th A-League Men's game this season and should he remain fit, all that experience will make him a key player for Western United.
Risdon has also played 14 times for the Socceroos and with the 2022 World Cup on the horizon, he'll be determined to perform strongly this season and put his name back in the frame.
4. Jason Davidson (Melbourne Victory)
After two years in South Korea, Davidson returns to the A-League Men this season under the guidance of coach Tony Popovic.
In his previous and single campaign in Australia's top-flight, the 30-year-old starred for Popovic at Perth Glory as he covered his flank well while also chipping in with two goals and six assists.
Davidson didn't feature twice in the Premier League with West Brom for no reason and at the age of 30, still has plenty to give on the pitch.
While he didn't play regularly in Korea, expect Popovic to quickly get him back up to speed going into the new campaign.
.@jasondavidson29 on working with the 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬 again #MVFC pic.twitter.com/9dEFTbnUjQ
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) July 29, 2021
3. Nathaniel Atkinson (Melbourne City)
Even an injury couldn't hold Atkinson back last season as the 22-year-old continued his rise to stardom.
From scoring a crucial early equaliser in the A-League Men grand final against Sydney FC to his stellar performances for the Olyroos in Tokyo, the right-back once again proved he's a player to watch in years to come.
While still finding his feet in the final third, Atkinson's speed has made him hard to beat defensively and he isn't afraid to throw his body around to make a last-ditch challenge.
The Melbourne City youngster has already played 71 games in the A-League Men despite his age and A-League Men fans should enjoy him while he's still around with an overseas move no doubt on the horizon.
2. Rhyan Grant (Sydney FC)
He might have lost his mullet but Grant remains one of A-League Men's best defenders.
Boasting incredible fitness and admirable speed, Grant has a habit of being exactly where he needs to be in defence and attack.
The 30-year-old scored the grand final winner in the 2019-20 season and has become a Socceroos regular in recent years.
Grant has also remains fiercely loyal to the Sky Blues and has played for only them since 2008 - making over 200 appearances in the process.
Wonder what @WenzelHalls will grab now? 🤔
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) February 18, 2021
Cya Saturday at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium Dylan! #SydneyIsSkyBlue #Premi4rs #Champion5 pic.twitter.com/RaNbIl4haQ
1. Scott Jamieson (Melbourne City)
While he hasn't played for the Socceroos in nearly a decade, Jamieson has established himself as one of Australia's best full-backs.
Last season, he led City to a historic A-League Men's double and broke his own silverware hoodoo in the process.
Jamieson has been the heartbeat of City in recent years and stepped up when it counted last season as he converted a penalty in the grand final to set the club up for the win.
A brilliant character off the pitch, the 33-year-old is super consistent on it and no player would look forward to the task of trying to get down his flank this season.
