It's one of the more talked about Champion Data rankings each year, and the AFL's leading statistics providers have once again released their midfield rankings for the 2018 season.
Sydney's engine room has been rated as the best in the country, boasting players like Dan Hannebery (elite), Josh Kennedy (elite), Isaac Heeney (above average), Luke Parker (above average), Nic Newman (above average), Zak Jones (above average) and Kieren Jack (above average).
The Giants are close by in second place led by Lachie Whitfield (elite), while Josh Kelly, Tom Scully, Dylan Shiel and Callan Ward are all rated above average.
Somewhat interestingly, Collingwood are in third and have the best midfield among teams that didn't make the finals in 2017, with six players (Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams, Tom Phillips, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Daniel Wells) all rated elite or above average.
Adelaide, who played in last season's grand final boasts the fifth best midfield, while the premiership winning Tigers sit in 12th, with Dustin Martin, Shane Edwards, Trent Cotchin, Kane Lambert and Josh Caddy all elite or above average.
Carlton's midfield has been rated the league's worst, as only Patrick Cripps (above average) has a rating of above average or higher.
Champion Data's midfield ratings for the 2018 season
- Sydney
- GWS
- Collingwood
- Western Bulldogs
- Adelaide
- Port Adelaide
- Geelong
- St Kilda
- Hawthorn
- Essendon
- Melbourne
- Richmond
- North Melbourne
- Fremantle
- West Coast
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Carlton
