back pocket refers to a position on the field deep in defence. Back pocket players need to have good spoiling skills and usually, quality back-pockets are noted for their hardness. Back pockets generally play on the smaller, faster forward pockets and let the fullback play on the stronger full forward. Some back-pockets are small, fast players, whose role is to clear a loose ball from defence or play on a forward of similar size and speed. Others are 'mid-sized' defenders, with enough height and strength to contest or spoil marks and enough mobility to fulfil the first role. Back pocket is not an exclusive position. Tall defenders (i.e. full back/centre half-back) may play in the back pocket to match up effectively on a tall forward playing in the forward pocket. Numerous back pocket players have gone on to coach successfully, including Kevin Sheedy, Mick Malthouse, Tom Hafey, Denis Pagan and David Parkin. Notable back pocket players: Wally Donald Bernie Smith Brad Hardie Gary Ayres Charlie Sutton Ian Nankervis John Rantall Laurie Fowler Mark Browning Jeff Dunne Andrew Collins Glenn Archer James Clement Shane Parker David Wirrpanda Michael Green Chris Johnson Ang Christou Gavin Wanganeen Darren Milburn Campbell Brown Ben Hart Daniel Edwards Dale Morris Half-back line The half-back line consists of two half-back flankers and the centre half-back. The role of centre half-back has remained largely unmodified throughout the years. The centre half-back dominates play to a significant extent, and hence is considered a key position in defence. Ideally, the centre half-back should be a durable player, quite tall and well-built. Along with their half-back flankers, centre half-backs are the first line of defence, but also key players in winning the ball, and creating and assisting in attack. Centre half-backs must have a great understanding of team structures, especially the strategies for kick-ins. They need to be able to compete and take contested marks, and also run off their opponent to win uncontested possessions and force their opponents to chase. Notable centre half-backs: Albert Collier Tom Fitzmaurice Wally Buttsworth Gordon Strang Bert Deacon Neil Roberts Col Austen Gary Hardeman Peter Knights Billy Picken Ross Glendinning Paul Roos Chris Mew Chris Grant Michael Sexton Glen Jakovich Sean Wellman Justin Leppitsch Trent Croad Josh Gibson Luke McPharlin James Gwilt The half-back flank is very similar to the back pocket position. However, a true half-back flanker is more attacking and concentrates on rebounding