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.
4. Brisbane
Midfielders: Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage, Zac Bailey, Cameron Rayner, Levi Ashcroft, Jarrod Berry, Bruce Reville, Dan Annable, James Tunstill, Reece Torrent, Tai Hayes.
The Lions lose one of the game's best midfielders and still are able to rank 4th with multiple options to turn to.
McCluggage, W.Ashcroft, Dunkley and Bailey have all proved they can do it on the biggest stage; in fact, most of these midfielders have, while L.Ashcroft continues to improve his development as a midfielder.
The Lions ranked first for clearance differential in 2026, first for centre clearances and third for scores from clearance, with a big help from Neale, who is now a Magpie.
It shouldn't stop the centre clearance flow too much, as these Lions have more firepower with Rayner and Berry having midfield time, as well as up-and-coming players Tunstill and Annable looking for more minutes.
Cameron Bruce takes over from triple back-to-back-to-back Premiership coach Chris Fagan, and the Lions are shooting for five straight Grand Final appearances.
