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.
11. Adelaide
Midfielders: Jordan Dawson, Izak Rankine, Sam Berry, James Peatling, Dan Curtin, Jake Soligo, Josh Rachele, Sid Draper, Brayden Cook, Billy Dowling, Isaac Cumming, Charlie Edwards.
There is no doubt that the Crows have the firepower in the midfield, with Dawson and Rankine being genuine superstars.
Rankine finished seventh in the Brownlow while Dawson finished equal tenth, proving these two are more than capable of running their midfield structure.
Alongside them, Berry was really the only other midfield standout, which is why they heavily chase the signature of Zac Bailey from Brisbane to try and increase their stocks.
Matthew Nicks will hope that emerging midfielder Draper can keep himself fit for a huge 2027 while Curtain looks a major hope to emerge as a damaging mid.
We saw glimpses of Curtain's talent, but he still has room to go to the next level in 2027, as he averaged 15 disposals, four marks, and three tackles during the home and away season.
Adelaide ranked first in average tackles per game, 66.4, largely thanks to Berry, who had a career-best season with his physical strength a highlight.
If the experienced players and up-and-comers can gel together, there's no reason why the Crows core midfield group can't grow next season and go deeper into September.
