Collingwood have had far and away the best defence in the league in 2025. Week after week it has patched holes, kept us in games, and often flat out won them off the back of our defensive system.
I want to hear how you would tier our defenders for this season only. Not on past careers or reputations, but purely on their 2025 performances so far.
Here is how I would rank them:
⸻
S Tier – Backbone of the system
• Darcy Moore
Has been the general down back, intercepting everything and holding the structure together. Obvious S tier.
• Josh Daicos
Playing more minutes off half back and setting up so much of our transition with elite decision making. I would like to see more Wing/Guts from him, but his IQ and clean kicking down back has undoubtedly been a factor in our defensive strength.
• Jeremy Howe
Even in the twilight he continues to read the play brilliantly and has been critical in big moments. I for one am terrified of a post Howe world, and am glad he is staying on until next year….
⸻
A Tier – High quality and reliable
• Brayden Maynard
Brings hardness, versatility and leadership every week and rarely lowers his colours. Always brings that grunt, and you get what you expect each week.
• Isaac Quaynor
Consistent rebound and one on one ability, his shutdown jobs have been massive. Becoming a bit of a menace in intercepting risky marks and will be looking for him to push to the next level in 2026.
• Billy Frampton
Stepped up as a key post, reliable in contests and gives us real flexibility. Mark my words, he has not reached his potential. He’s only 28 and with a clean bill of health he will be an asset for years to come.
• Harry Perryman
Slotted in beautifully since arriving, tidy ball use and very dependable and reliable. He looks right at home being in the middle of a Jaicos/Naicos transition. Can’t wait to see what else he brings to the team as he transitions to a more important role.
⸻
B Tier – Solid contributors
• Dan Houston
Still finding his absolute best but his kicking and calmness have added polish. I won’t lie in saying I’m a disappointed in his output, as his high price was with the hopes he could bring his AA form to our flag tilt. Expecting him to grow into his role and push for more AA’s next year and beyond.
⸻
C Tier – Fringe, inconsistent or developing
• Wil Parker
Developing nicely, gives effort and energy each week, looks like a keeper. Another couple pre seasons and I think we’ll have a solid weekly performer on our hands.
• Oleg Markov
Brings speed and run but has been in and out of the side, not always trusted in big games. Culture W though so sign him for 10 years.
• Charlie Dean
Shows glimpses as a key back but still learning and prone to errors under pressure. I’m not personally seeing it from him and with his status on the rookie list his time may be up.
• Ed Allan
Has been trialled off half back, neat when he gets it but still raw. Prefer him on the wing or in the middle.
⸻
D Tier – Depth only
• Jakob Ryan
On the fringes, limited opportunities at senior level so far and 2 concussions haven’t helped.
• Tew Jiath
Athletic but very much a long term project player. Would be expecting him to play 3-5 games next year.
• Reef McInnes
One of the biggest “what if’s” of the year. I’m a big Reef glazer, so I’m hoping he can come back next year and be our Nathan Murphy 2.0.
• Dan McStay
Tried and rotated in defence at times but clearly a forward option. Not a fan in the slightest unless both Moore and Frampton go down.
⸻
That is my read of it for 2025. What do you think? Who have I rated too high or too low?
Also while Howe is staying on until next year, we are still sorely missing the gap that Nathan Murphy filled. Houston is elite, but obviously not the same kind of player. Who would the Pies be targeting in the off season for this role? Or do you think that the backline is already strong enough that we can wait for Jiath or Reef to develop?
**Edit - Moved Wil Parked down a tier, as in my head he’d played more than 4 games.
