Half-back line

The role of the centre half-back is similar to that of a defensive midfielder in association football. As the first line of defence, the centre half-back must aim to break down opposition attacks before they can get into a scoring position. Given that a centre half-back's opponent is usually the centre half-forward, the role is regarded as a key position in the team, and is usually reserved for tall and well-built players. As one of the team's leaders, centre half-backs must be able to read the play and have good communication skills. Although their first responsibility is to defend, Magarey Medallist 1921, 1924, 1930 • Albert "Leeter" Collier ( and , 1925–1941), Brownlow Medallist 1929 • Reg Hickey (, 1926–1940) • Denis Cordner (Melbourne, 1943–1956) • Ron Clegg (, 1949–1960), Brownlow medallist 1949 • Ian "Bluey" Shelton (, 1959–1965) • Peter Knights (Hawthorn, 1969–1985) • Bill Picken (Collingwood and , 1974–1986) • Jim Jess (, 1976–1988) • Ross Glendinning ( and , 1978–1988), Brownlow medallist 1983 • Paul Roos (Fitzroy and Sydney, 1982–1998) • Glen Jakovich (West Coast, 1991–2004) ==Half-back flank==

The half-back flank was traditionally a defensive position, where reliability and toughness were more important than attacking flair. Notable half-back flankers over the years in Australian football include: • Alec Epis (, 1958–1968) • Barry Davis (Essendon and , 1961–1975) • John Rantall (, North Melbourne and , 1963–1980) • Ian Bremner ( and , 1966–1976) • Bruce Doull (, 1969–1986), Norm Smith Medallist 1981; Named Half-back flank in AFL Team of the Century (1996) • Stephen Wallis (, 1983–1996) • Ken Hinkley ( and , 1987–1995) • Guy McKenna (, 1988–2000) • Andrew McKay • Rohan Smith • Andrew McLeod • Nigel Smart • Luke Hodge • Brendon Goddard • Corey Enright • Shannon Hurn • Beau Waters • Adam Saad • Bachar Houli • Christian Salem • Jack Sinclair • Lachie Whitfield ==References==