Backline

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In Australian rules football, the term backline refers to a position on the field. The backline consists of 3 defenders, one in the left back pocket, one in the right back pocket, and one at full-back.

Examples of back-pocket players include Kevin Sheedy, Tom Hafey, and Ty Zantuck.

Full-backs are usually the biggest of the 3 defenders in the backline, and they must have skills in spoiling the ball, body strength to out-muscle opposition forwards that they are playing on, and awareness and balance to keep up with leading forwards. Examples of full-backs include Matthew Scarlett, Shane Wakelin, Ben Rutten, James Clement, Bret Thornton, Danny Frawley and Luke Penny.