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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10. Collingwood
As it has been since his drafting, Collingwood's season was all about one man - Nick Daicos. The young tyro dragged his side to a preliminary final berth, finishing second in the Brownlow in the process.
However, the Pies midfield mix is a microcosm of their most glaring criticism – their age. Veterans and club legends Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Jack Crisp were still frequent centre bounce attendees, with the argument persisting that this has held Craig McRae's side back.
There were glimpses of the midfield mix of the future, however. Former Bulldog Patrick Lipinski spent much of the year among the league's best kicks inside 50. Discarded Hawk Ned Long provided excellent foil and contrast to Daicos, with his Gather Round performance in particular, showcasing his wares. Roan Steele had his moments in his debut season, while West Australian Ed Allan continued to show glimpses at the level.
Jordan de Goey's body was again a story, and Darcy Cameron cemented himself as one of the league's best, and most versatile ruckmen.
Clearance and contest are not hallmarks of McRae's gameplan, with pressure more of a focus. The Pies finished first for tackle differential, averaging five more tackles a game than next best, GWS.
