The South-west's starting 22: last line of defence

The team is picked from players from as Warrnambool and surrounding towns as far as Portland, Camperdown, Cobden, Timboon and Hamilton.

The full backs are the players AFL coaches rely on when it comes to stopping the opposition from scoring countless amounts of goals.

They are usually the lockdown defenders who work tirelessly to ensure their opponents get shut out of the game.

In the modern game they have become anchors for sides to switch the ball from one side of the ground to the other and open up another avenue to a possible score.

Two smaller defenders with some running ability and a big bull are usually what make up this line on AFL coach's whiteboards.

The full back plays a huge part in the team's spine and is usually strong in the contest and vocal without the ball or if its out of their vicinity.

They usually are assigned to the opposition's key forward and are often needed to win or level one-on-one contests, putting their bodies on the line to stop them at all costs.

The back pockets are often used to combat the small forwards and then become part of the rebounding force once the ball has been turned over.

The trio that make up the first part of the south-west's team fit into those categories perfectly.

They have a combined 279 games of AFL experience, one premiership, nine finals appearances, 26 goals and five Brownlow votes.

They are some of the unnoticed heroes of their respective sides and would be if this side were to take to the field.

AFL club: West Coast 2015-present

South-west connection: Warrnambool

Height: 186cm

Games: 31 - three finals, 28 wins, 13 losses

Achievements: 2018 premiership player, Rising Star nominee

Cole is only in the early stages of his career but he has already etched his name into the history books of the competition, like many other south-west exports, and into this side's backline.

The 22-year-old, who lived for a short time in Warrnambool before moving to Bendigo when he was 11, was part of West Coast's 2018 premiership victory after playing a pivotal role in its defensive ranks.

He has played most of his games across the past two seasons, averaging 12 disposals (seven kicks and five handballs) and almost three one per centers and tackles a game.

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Drafted with pick 36 in the 2015 national draft, the small/medium defender managed just six games in his first two seasons and would have played earlier in 2018 if not for the impact the passing of his father Russell, who lost his battle with bowel and liver cancer, had on him.

Most of Cole's disposals are uncontested meaning he is more often than not the anchor or used as the "get out" option in defence with his silky disposal.

At 186cm he has the ability, speed and strength to play on some of the best small and medium forwards in the competition.

The former Warrnambool junior can only get better as he continues to make a name for himself in the Eagles' back six.

AFL clubs: St Kilda 2002-9, Brisbane 2010-15

South-west connection: South Warrnambool

Height: 192cm

Games: 170 - four finals, 82 wins, 87 losses, one draw

Achievements: five Brownlow votes, St Kilda 2004 pre-season premiership

A backline often has a need and a place for a tough and courageous defender who will put his body on the line for the greater good of the team.

And that is exactly what Maguire did throughout his 14 seasons in the AFL and why he is selected in this one.

The key defender's former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas said his courage on the field of play often caused him to look away while watching from the stands.

"I distinctly remember on many occasions, while coaching him for six years, turning away because of the ferocity with which he attacked the contests," he said.

"It gave me a great deal of pride to see the commitment to the cause and the leadership he displayed, as well as the other players in the team."

The former Lion and Saint, known affectionately as Goose, had an injury-plagued career with a serious broken leg in round 18, 2006, against West Coast Eagles at Docklands limiting his games.

Two years of physical and emotional torment followed, which included missing out on selection for St Kilda's 2009 grand final team.

But the South Warrnambool export showed in his 170 games - 99 at St Kilda and 71 with Brisbane - that he could shut down both tall and medium forwards.

Maguire, who ultimately called an end to his career in 2015 due to concussion, averaged over four one per centers, four marks and almost two tackles a game.

AFL club: Essendon 2012-present

South-west connection: Koroit

Height: 191cm

Games: 78 - two finals, 27 wins, 50 losses, one draw

Gleeson has eight seasons under his belt but injury has plagued his chance to really stamp his claim in the Bombers' back line but he fits perfectly into this one.

A freak injury in the 2018 JLT Community Series - a broken talus bone in his foot, dragging his heel a centimetre forward which dislocated it - has halted his run to becoming a permanent figure in the Bombers' starting 22.

But despite the injuries, the rebounding defender has shown he is a strong mark, a reliable kick and has a top ability to read the play and put himself in a position to collect an intercept possession or impact a contest.

The 25-year-old, who started his football journey with Koroit in the Hampden league, averages close to 16 disposals (8.9 kicks, 6.7 handballs) a game.

His prowess in the air sees him average 4.8 marks and two-and-a-half one per centers a game to help halt his opponents.

Gleeson completes the first trio of players in this side who can play on multiple forward types while also asking his opponents to remain accountable when the time comes to rebound.

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