DESPITE all the disruptions to the Sydney Swans' backline this year, two familiar names have helped the premiers remain solid defensively and in the AFL's top four nearing the business end of the season.
And it's not Ted Richards and Heath Grundy, the reliable key defensive duo who have more or less maintained their output from 12 months ago.
Nick Malceski has played every game and is averaging a career-best 24.4 disposals, putting himself well and truly in the frame for All Australian honours.
Standing alongside him has been his co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, who started the year superbly in the midfield before shifting into defence as the injury woes mounted.
The troubles began with Alex Johnson's ruptured ACL in the pre-season and continued with Rhyce Shaw's abdominal tear, which has kept him out since round two.
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) hasn't been seen since round four and Marty Mattner (hip) was forced to retire just seven rounds into the premiership defence.
In their absence, Malceski has been in the form of his career, taking out the Brett Kirk Medal for the best player in the Swans' emphatic victory over Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.
Fittingly, McVeigh finished runner-up and Malceski has enjoyed having him – plus some lower-profile Swans – helping to fill the backline void.
"It has helped out having Macca (McVeigh) back there while Shawry's obviously been injured," Malceski said.
"Also 'Dre' (Andrejs Everitt) and 'Ramps' (Dane Rampe) too. It's been good."
For all his knee troubles, which include two LARS surgeries, Malceski feels his fitness is at an all-time high.
"I think so yeah," the 28-year-old said.
"I missed a bit of the pre-season with a calf, but I've felt good each week and I've been recovering really well.
"Hopefully I can keep it going."
While McVeigh's ability to effortlessly shift into defence and fill the breach hasn't come as a surprise, Rampe's form certainly has.
Promoted from the rookie list as cover for Johnson, the 23-year-old has played 13 games, and even kicked his first career goal against GWS.
"Since we've had Malceski, McVeigh and Rampe through our defence, it's been a real positive for us for the year," coach John Longmire said.
"They've been able to defend really well for us in our one-on-ones and give us some drive off half-back, all of them."
The Swans coach also reserved special praise for Malceski, the club's highest ranked defender in the Official AFL Player Ratings who is also leading the competition in average metres gained per match.
"He's had a really good season," Longmire said. "A really good season.
"He's been consistent every week, he gives us some real leadership and drive off our backline, and he's an important player for us."
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_JD
