Top 5 - Take 5 Defenders (16.09.2026)

Mark Duffield (0:02)

Yes, it's Wednesday, it is time for The Defenders on Take 5 And I tell you what, it was hard to find five defenders this week out of the two games. They were fairly offensively minded games. Both teams kicking 100 points in the Geelong free-mantle game, and the Brisbane kicking 11-70 against Adelaide on Saturday night. Even the Crows putting up 13 goals as well. You usually try and stop a team having that many. So, yeah, tough to find five, but you've done well here, number one. So Zach Guthrie, underrated player, this guy. Eight intercept possessions, three score involvements, 18 disposals, seven marks, 392 metres gained for the Cats against Freo. Number two. Alex Pearce. If you're talking about free-mantle defenders, you can't leave him out. He just plays the role of leader and intercept defender perfectly. Six intercept possessions, three score involvements, a contested mark, 13 disposals.

Geordie Clark gave them great rebound, five intercept possessions, five score involvements. I love the balance between his ability to intercept and be involved in scores when he plays well. Six inside fifties, 25 disposals, 623 metres gained. Number four. Ryan Lester. Mr. One Year Contract.

Two contested marks, two inside fifties, seven intercept possessions, 18 disposals, eight marks, 293 metres gained. And number five. Dane Zorko. He who is a little pest. Three inside fifties, nine score involvements, five intercept possessions, 27 disposals, a goal and 687 metres gained. Not too bad.