2020 AFL Dream Team: Who is the AFL’s best intercept defender?

Intercept defenders are worth their weight in gold and if you have one of the competition’s best, then you’re ahead of the pack. Is there anyone better than Eagle Jeremy McGovern? Have your say

Intercept defenders are very much a part of the modern AFL game, where teams play seven men back to allow one to play the game on his own terms.

Nobody has adapted to the role better than Jeremy McGovern, the architect of a position that now sees players such as Nick Haynes and James Sicily develop into current-day superstars in their own right.

Over the next 18 days in the countdown to the AFL season opener between Carlton and Richmond on March 19 at the MCG, the Herald Sun will nominate 18 players by position as the best of the best in the competition, with our best team to be matched up against yours on March 18.

Today is your chance to pick the best interceptor in the game.

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Jeremy McGovern has been a star for the Eagles and is an intercept-marking king.

THE BEST INTERCEPT DEFENDERS

JEREMY MCGOVERN (West Coast Eagles)

Could mount a strong argument to suggest he’s the best of his intercept type in the 21st century, with four straight All-Australian selections and extreme durability.

SuperCoach price: $475,300 2019 SC average: 87

Champion Data says: McGovern was one of two key defenders to rate elite for both intercept marks and intercept possessions last season.

JAMES SICILY (Hawthorn)

Has transformed from a temperamental talent to a gun, someone who combines courage with judgment to continually cut off opposition attacks.

SuperCoach price: $509,500 2019 SC average: 94

Champion Data says: Sicily was the only key defender to rate elite for disposals, marks and intercept possessions last season.

James Sicily has been a revelation as an intercept defender. Picture: Michael Klein

NICK HAYNES (GWS)

A big part of GWS’s Grand Final slot was the intercept marking of Haynes down back, as he highlighted against Richmond despite his team’s insipid display.

SuperCoach price: $474,700 2019 SC average: 88

Champion Data says: Haynes was one of three general defenders to rate elite for marks, intercept marks and intercept possessions.

ALIIR ALIIR (Sydney)

Can play good football in the ruck but it’s down back that he does his best work. Just needs a bit more possession to take his game to the next level.

SuperCoach price: $421,100 2019 SC average: 78

Champion Data says: Aliir won a mark from 19% of his defensive one-on-one contests last season – ranked third of the top-50 players to have defended a contest. He also rated above average for intercept marks and intercept possessions.

ALEX KEATH (Western Bulldogs)

The one-time cricketer is a massive gain for the Dogs, a player who at 28 and with three AFL seasons behind him should be ready to control his defensive air.

SuperCoach price: $413,000 2019 SC average: 76

Champion Data says: Keath was one of two key defenders to rate elite for both disposals and intercept possessions last season.

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Originally published as 2020 AFL Dream Team: Who is the AFL’s best intercept defender?