We're up to Part II in our 2023 AFL midfield rankings, with the next six teams assessed and ranked ahead of the new season.
Across three instalments we'll rank each AFL club's midfield list, breaking down the competition in thirds.
Here is Part II of our midfield rankings, covering 12th to 7th.
SEE PART I OF OUR MIDFIELD RANKINGS.
1. (12th) GWS
Losing two of your best onballers would often be a significant blow for most sides, but given the Giants' deep depth chart in the centre of the field you wouldn't be too worried for the New South Wales side.
Both Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper departed for Richmond in the off-season to be the latest to swap Western Sydney for Victoria, while young midfielder Tanner Bruhn also uprooted in a trade to Geelong.
The trio of departures, while sizeable, will only open up further opportunities for the Giants' best ball-winners to stake their claim as some of the AFL's premier midfielders.
Already at the top of the tree is silky mover Josh Kelly and inside onballer Stephen Coniglio, who will be the senior presence in Adam Kinglsey's midfield.
But while both Kelly and Conigio look to steer the ship, it might be contested bull Tom Green that comes out on top this year, with the Townsville-born onballer primed for a breakout campaign in 2023.
The Giants' next line of midfielders sees serviceable utility Harry Perryman and top-three draft pick Finn Callaghan come through the middle, while superstar forward Toby Greene could pick up some of the weight left by the departed Taranto and Hopper.
Callaghan has been particularly impressive ahead of his second season, seen as a standout in his side's pre-season win over Gold Coast.
Kingsley will also have Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Ash at his disposal for further rotations, with the defensive-minded pair able to offer plenty of run and clean ball use as outside options.
Callan Ward is the experienced veteran that will be seen at centre stoppages throughout the year, while draftees Darcy Jones and Harry Rowston may get a look too.
