The South-west's starting 22: the rebounding force

That is usually what coaches desire from their half-back line in the modern game and it has come to be an important part of any AFL half-back line today.

The defenders usually named along this line have a mixture of athleticism, grit, polished skills and a ferocious nature that is custom with backmen.

The centre-half back usually scores the opposition's more mobile forward. They must have a good tank to be able to run both ways following the forward.

They are another key link in the side's spine and form an integral part of defending some of the best forwards in the game.

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Attacking is also now a key part of this key position player's game too, which they mix with aerial ability and clean skills.

His teammates to either side of him are often slightly smaller but just as mobile and enjoy fleeing the shackles of defending to join in the attack.

Two of the players in this line fit the mold of the centre-half back but could just as easily play as a flanker if called upon and both are extremely good in the air and on the ground - very good traits to have as a modern defender.

As for the third member of this line, he is not known for his speed or grace but for his ability to stop opponents with brute force and to fight tooth and nail to nullify every contest he was in.

This line has played a combined 426 AFL games, won five premierships, collected one All-Australian blazer, one best and fairest, 19 Brownlow votes, has a club Hall of Fame member and features a former captain.

They form part of a stringent defence and the first step in a ferocious rebounding force a modern AFL team desires.

AFL club: Western Bulldogs 2007-present

South-west connection: Camperdown

Height: 187cm

Games: 161 - eight finals, 83 wins, 78 losses

Achievements: 2016 premiership captain, one All-Australian blazer, one club best and fairest, Bulldogs captain 2018-19, nine Brownlow votes

No matter the size of the forward Wood will have them covered with his athleticism, prowess in the air and his strength which makes him a lock for either the half-back flank or centre-half back positions in this side.

The 2016 premiership captain has shown over many years, and particularly the last five seasons when he has escaped the injury curse, why he is one of the first picked in the Western Bulldogs' defence.

Whether it be in the air with a mark or a fist to on the ground with his tackling or one-on-one contests the Gnotuk export is rarely beaten and if he is beaten he won't let it happen regularly after that.

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Wood may not be the flashiest when it comes to his skill but with ball in hand he is still more than capable of hitting a target.

He is a natural and tough leader who will put his body on the line in just about any situation.

The 30-year-old averages 14 possessions a game while he takes five marks and contributes defensively with almost four one per centers.

Most of his 14 possessions come from taking intercept marks from as far up as the wing right to deep in the defensive 50 and usually plays a part in starting forays forward.

AFL club: Richmond 2009-present

South-west connection: Tatyoon

Height: 195cm

Games: 130 - eight finals, 75 wins, 53 losses, two draws

Achievements: 2017 and 2019 premiership player, one Brownlow vote

Selflessness is usually a quality seen in a defender and Astbury has it in spades, which is why he slots into centre-half back in this team.

In the 2019 pre-season Astbury was labelled by AFL Media as one of the league's two most underrated defenders along with teammate Dylan Grimes.

He is noted for his ability to directly defend opposition key forwards and free his fellow backmen to play a more attacking style.

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Astbury has nullified champion forwards in Geelong's Tom Hawkins, Adelaide's Taylor Walker, West Coast's Josh Kennedy and Hawthorn's Jarryd Roughead, which is a testament to his strength as a key defender.

The 29-year-old averages 13 possessions a game and is strong in the air with an average of five marks. He is also handy with the occasional rebound 50, averaging almost three a game.

The two-time premiership player shows his commitment to his craft with an average of four and a half one per centers a game and one tackle.

AFL club: Geelong 2002-2010

South-west connection: Casterton

Height: 189cm

Games: 135 - 10 finals, 83 wins, 50 losses, two draws

Achievements: 2007 and 2009 premiership player, Cats Hall of Fame member, nine Brownlow votes

Rooke could play just about anywhere in this team, which shows just how versatile the former Cat was during his decorated career at Kardinia Park.

While small forwards exposed his lack of speed, he still showed he could have an impact limiting some of the best medium forwards in the game.

He was more than capable to be thrown where he was needed, putting the team first and playing a variety of roles, including different positions and in shut-down roles.

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In a move into the midfield during 2005 season he immediately showed his strength as a stopper limiting Brownlow medal winner, West Coast and Carlton champion Chris Judd.

His impact with the ball in hand was low, averaging 11 disposals a game but he did most of his work stopping his opponents.

He averaged three tackles a game and two one per centers a game. His best output defensively was 15 tackles against Sydney in the Cats' narrow 2005 elimination final defeat to the Swans.

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