Matthew Lloyd has ranked the top seven key defenders in the AFL right now – excluding Alex Rance.
The superstar Tiger may not be on the list, but a teammate of his takes the top spot.
Lloyd said a conversation with Hawthorn assistant coach Sam Mitchell inspired the rankings.
“I was chatting to Sam Mitchell about football and he said if I could build a team around one player, it would be Harris Andrews from the Brisbane Lions,” he told Sportsday.
“He just absolutely loves him. (Andrews’) teammate Marcus Adams said playing with him has been brilliant and he thinks Andrews is the best defender in the competition.
“It made me think about the current key position defenders and who I would take and do I agree with him.
“I’m not including Alex Rance because he’s not playing.”
Lloyd’s top 7 key defenders in the AFL right now:
1. Dylan Grimes (Richmond)
2. Harris Andrews (Brisbane)
3. Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)
4. Dane Rampe (Sydney)
5. Michael Hurley (Essendon)
6. Mark Blicavs (Geelong)
7. Cale Hooker (Essendon)