When you think of the great defenders of yesteryear, a few in particular spring to mind.

The likes of Stephen Silvagni and Glenn Jakovich are obvious examples, while if you go further back, it’s names like Bruce Doull, David Dench and Ross Glendinning.

They were three-dimensional players, who not only could lock down their opponents one-on-one, but also influence other contests and then provide an important springboard into attack.

In the modern game, those types of defenders are more scarce.

Defenders nowadays are much better at supporting their teammates by guarding space and outnumbering forwards in dangerous positions.