Every AFL club's squad for the 2027 season is coming together, so how does each team's back, midfield and forward line stack up against their rivals?
We at Zero Hanger will be going through all 18 clubs, analysing and ranking them 1-18 across all three thirds of the ground, starting with the backline.
While the draft, delisted free agent signing period and trial spots remain for clubs to recruit players, the majority of each team's starting 23 are in place.
Focusing on the players at their disposal, their style of football in 2026, and with a look forward to Round 1, 2027, this is how we ranked every club 1-18 for its midfield.
7. Collingwood
Midfielders: Nick Daicos, Josh Daicos, Lachie Neale, Jordan De Goey, Angus Anderson, Edward Allan, Sam Swadling, Beau McCreery, Ned Long, Jack Crisp, Roan Steele, Patrick Lipinski, Harry DeMattia, Tyan Prindable.
The Pies ranked fifth last in average points scored from stoppages (29.3), and the addition of Brownlow Medallist Neale can hopefully help them bump this number up to become more dangerous around the footy.
Reigning Brownlow Medallist N.Daicos will only enjoy having Neale beside him to help win the clearance battle, which the Pies often struggled with throughout 2026.
Neale was the best clearance getter in the whole AFL last season, finishing with 93, and the Daicos-Neale combination is a scary sight heading into 2027.
De Goey proved why he is still a midfield force, averaging 21.4 disposals and 4.8 marks as teams will need to choose which of the three to tag with caution.
Allen enjoyed a breakout season in the midfield, regularly tagging superstar opponents, while McCreery, Crisp and Long all enjoyed midfield minutes also.
Youngster Swalding looks a key up-and-comer for the ageing Pies list and could be a leader in the future alongside N.Daicos, landing them in 7th on our ranking.
