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.
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11. Hawthorn
Jai Newcombe has emerged as one the best finals performers in recent history in his last two finals series, donning his cape and leading his club to multiple victories, seemingly single-handedly.
However, just how good this brigade can be remains to be seen, given Will Day's continued absences. With any luck, the South Australian can post a clean bill of health in 2026, and contribute to a full campaign under Sam Mitchell.
The Hawks finished the year just below league average for total clearances, but ranked sixth for scores from stoppage, and fifth for scores originating from centre bounce. Such a penchant for scores from this source will only become more dangerous if an ability to win clearance more often can be exhibited next year and beyond.
