Defensive side of the game ------ out?

[Falchoon]

The All Australian selectors sent a clear message selecting 5 loose players in defence, a midfield that doesn't tackle and a forward line that would rather give away 50's rather than chase, and the Brownlow has been won by someone whose skill levels are only marginally behind Kjetil André Aamodt of recent times

Is a defensive side of the game not needed for individual honours?