A host of players across the competition are enjoying career-best seasons, with some still in the early years of their development, while others are ageing like fine wines.

While the AFL doesn't have a 'Most Improved Player Award' like other codes across the globe, there are plenty who would be worthy winners of that title in 2025.

At the midway mark of the season, we've identified the most improved players to start the AFL season.

So, here's our selected 'most improved' 22 for the season so far...

2Midfielders

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Ed Richards of the Bulldogs during the round five AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions at Norwood Oval, on April 12, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Ed Richards of the Bulldogs during the round five AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions at Norwood Oval, on April 12, 2025, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Three of the game's best players this year have risen to the top ranks thanks to stellar seasons in new roles.

Geelong recruit Bailey Smith has become a Brownlow contender in his first season at Kardinia Park, putting up massive numbers each week as a ball magnet in midfield.

His departure from the Bulldogs, as well as a season on the sidelines last year, has seen Ed Richards step up as one of the Dogs' most damaging players, with the former flanker now a high-impact contested asset for Luke Beveridge.

Richards had a strong year in 2024, but he has emerged as the No.1 ranked player in the competition for score involvements, goal assists and inside 50s this year.

Richards' teammate Joel Freijah has followed a similar path, having been drafted as a wingman before being utilised across half-back and now through the middle of the field to be another breakout Bulldog.

Meanwhile, Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom might be having the best season of his 17-year career with the Magpies, having shifted back into the middle of the ground after spending most of his career on the wing.

Sidebottom's season is rivalling his 2018 run when he won an All-Australian selection, the Copeland Trophy and polled 24 Brownlow votes to finish on the podium.

His teammate Ned Long is a good shout for the most improved player in the AFL this year, with the ex-Hawk in the VFL last season.

He has emerged as a two-way bull for Craig McRae in Tom Mitchell's absence, working perfectly alongside speedster Nick Daicos.

It'll be hard to go past Dockers tall Luke Jackson for the ruck spot, with the premiership ex-Demon having a sensational year as a ruck-midfielder-forward utility for Justin Longmuir, while Carlton veteran George Hewett is another enjoying a career-best season in his age-30 year.