With the 2021 Toyota AFL Season set to kick off in late March, AFL Fantasy coaches are starting to do some research and assemble their squads.

Starting with the defenders, SUNS Media will be taking a look at each of the position groups to find some of the best prospects for your teams.

Premium Stock:

Jack Lukosius (DEF) - $595k

Entering his third AFL season, Jack Lukosius has shown he has the traits to be an elite AFL Fantasy defender. Lukosius had a breakout year in the backline in 2019, playing all 17 games to average 78 Fantasy points. The cornerstone of Lukosius’ game was his field kicking, with the coaches trusting the 20-year-old with the kick-ins to bring the ball back into play. With that kick-in rule being tweaked this year and the man on the mark moving back an additional five metres, Lukosius should be able to accumulate more possessions and Fantasy points. He’s one to keep in mind throughout pre-season.

Bargain Buy:

Oleg Markov (DEF) - $370k

Coming to the club from Richmond in the off-season, Markov has slotted in seamlessly to the SUNS set-up and has found a home in the defensive group at half-back. Playing just the seven games in 2020, Markov receives a 9% discount on his price to start the year and is affordable at just $370k. He’ll be in the mix for Gold Coast’s Round 1 team. Markov is a player who is capable of accumulating big scores and will need to be watched over pre-season to ascertain the role he will have at half-back.

Rookie Watch: 

Jez McLennan (DEF) - $170k

A name that has been talked about in AFL Fantasy circles for some time is Jez McLennan. The South-Australian was taken with pick 23 in the 2019 AFL Draft but has had to wait for an opportunity at AFL level. Consistently called upon as emergency, the 20-year-old will be hoping 2021 is the year he can finally make his AFL debut. Heading into the season, McLennan is fit and looks as strong as ever. If he earns an opportunity, it will likely be at half-back which has been conducive to Fantasy scoring in the past. Monitor his progress through pre-season and don’t be afraid to lock him in if he earns a call-up at some stage this year.