FROM taggers to key backs, the best defensive player in the competition will finally get some recognition.

So often overlooked for major awards, defensive players will be recognised with the AFL Coaches' Association Defensive Player of the Year Award, the first of which will be announced at the AFL Awards next Tuesday night.

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After each game this season, coaching panels have cast votes for the best defensive player, with the best getting two votes and the second-best getting one vote. The player with the most votes at the end of the season will win the award.

Defensive acts are not just those in the back half of the ground, with run-with roles on the opposition's best player, intercept marks, effective tackles and spoils all factored in.

"The AFLCA Defensive Player of the Year Award allows the coaches to better recognise the importance of team-lifting defensive acts and roles, and to celebrate the players that impact this phase of the game the most throughout a whole season," AFLCA CEO Alistair Nicholson said.

The award will be handed out at the AFL Awards night next Tuesday, where the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year and Best Emerging Player will also be announced.