The midfield is home to the AFL's most recognised names. This line receives the most individual recognition, sweeping the league's suite of awards most years. Those in the engine room shoulder the responsibility of galvanising their side through winning possession and determining field position.
Midfield groups are usually emblematic of a given team - good teams have good midfields, and bad teams do not.
Here's Zero Hanger's ranking of the league's 18 midfield corps for 2025.
RELATED: EVERY AFL TEAM'S BACKLINE RANKED 1-18
3. Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs can hardly blame their midfield for their failure to qualify for finals action in 2025.
The Bulldogs engine room finished number one in the league for points from stoppage and centre bounce, total clearances and first possession to clearance rate.
Beveridge's men averaged almost three goals per game more from stoppage than their opponents.
The Dogs midfield boasts the league's two best players in Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards, per Wheelo Player Ratings.
Frighteningly, the Bulldogs uncovered serious depth in 2025, out of necessity, with Joel Freijah a shining example of this. Ryley Sanders continues to develop, while Tom Liberatore was as reliable as ever. Tim English remains entrenched in premier ruckman discussions.
The Bulldogs midfield wants for nothing, and if not for the club's failure to feature in September, they'd be higher in this estimation.
