This episode was filmed Wednesday, 24th September 2025.

The siren might have sounded on another AFL season, but when it comes to markets, the game next stops. 

With the ASX trading near record highs and valuations stretching common sense, investors are asking the big question: how do you protect the scoreboard when conditions turn tough?

As the saying goes, attack wins you games, but defence wins you titles. And while growth stocks often grab the spotlight, low-volatility names and reliable portfolio ballast can be just as crucial for staying in the match when momentum shifts.

So in this episode, we’re drawing up our own starting lineup of ASX defenders. Which stocks deserve a place in your portfolio’s backline, and which ones should be left warming the bench?

Joining Livewire's Tom Stelzer to make the calls are  from Blackwattle and Brenton Saunders from Pendal, who put three ASX names under the spotlight. They also share their best defensive stock picks for when markets get choppy.