Swans have always been well off in defensive department

PAUL Roos made his name as one of the AFL's premier defenders long before he came to Sydney.

PAUL Roos made his name as one of the AFL's premier defenders long before he came to Sydney.

But from Rod "Tilt" Carter through to "Leaping" Leo Barry, the Swans have always had more than their fair share of top players in defence.

Indeed, in those dark early days when wins were hard to find, the defenders always had to work extra hard.

Welcome to one of the hardest choices you'll have to make in selecting Sydney's 22.

Dashing half-back Mark Browning did more than just lead the Swans out of defence, he also helped keep the team together during the early '80s, and served as captain from 1984-1985.

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Video: Sydney's best ever defenders

Browning was the first captain after Barry Round and a key figure as Sydney got used to its new team.

Dennis Carroll took over from Browning as captain and also made a name for himself as one of the best defenders of his time, earning selection in the Sydney Swans' team of the century.

Mark Bayes deserves mention in the same breath as one of the most dashing and athletic players to grace the SCG.

While Roos made his name at Fitzroy, he had done nothing but enhance it when he finished his playing career in the red and white.

And then that 2005 premiership has a wonderful link between the men of defence - Barry taking the towering mark to close out the match, giving coach Roos and the Swans their long-awaited grand final win.

Tadhg Kennelly travelled halfway around the world, took on a new game and made it his own.

It's not surprising six of our nominees are 2005 premiership players, but all would tip their hat to the men who came before them. Men who made the SCG a feared place to visit for any interstate team.

That continues today, with Ted Richards and Heath Grundy leading a miserly Swans defence.

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