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
1. Brisbane Lions
The Brisbane Lions went back-to-back in 2025, powered by the league's deepest midfield.
This Lions side has match winners everywhere, and an unshakeable belief in their well-drilled process, evidenced by devastating bursts across the final two outings of their cup-lifting season.
After allowing Collingwood a second quarter avalanche at the MCG on preliminary final weekend, the Lions put the game out of reach with a second half flex that will haunt Craig McRae and co. for a while yet.
When they put the foot down for a second successive grand final, pundits everywhere couldn't help but place this side in 'best ever' conversations, such is their ridiculous ability to win from anywhere, and put a game to bed, at any given moment.
And it all starts in the middle.
There isn't a side in the AFL better at stoppage. The Lions were first for stoppage clearances, and third for converting first possession to a clearance.
On average, the Lions were +30 in possessions on their opponents across the year, comfortably best in the league. This side pound you into submission, and look to be having the time of their lives doing so.
That is one of many reasons why they've attained 'perennial contender' status under Chris Fagan's stewardship.
