Inarguably the most important line in football is the midfield, where the game's greatest superstars and game-changing talents position themselves.
The most likely position to win the AFL's esteemed awards, from Brownlows to Norm Smiths and club best and fairests, midfielders clean up as they roam the full field.
So, who were the 10 best midfielders in the 2025 AFL season?
Before we delve into the 10 best midfielders, here is a group of players unlucky not to be rewarded with a spot on the list.
Unlucky to miss:
Max Holmes - 26.9 disposals, 6.6 score involvements, 626.6 metres gained
Isaac Heeney - 23.6 disposals, 6.9 score involvements, 11.7 contested possessions
Andrew Brayshaw - 27.0 disposals, 5.0 clearances, 6.7 score involvements
Zach Merrett - 27.8 disposals, 3.9 clearances, 6.1 score involvements
Hugh McCluggage - 27.1 disposals, 6.0 clearances, 7.2 score involvements
Ed Richards - 26.0 disposals, 5.7 clearances, 8.3 score involvements
Tom Green - 29.7 disposals, 8.5 clearances, 7.0 score involvements
7Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's value is undeniable at 22 years old. While largely featuring off half-back in 2025, the latter half of the season saw him become a key figure in St Kilda's engine room.
In the final six games of the season, Wanganeen-Milera attended close to 70% of all centre bounces and dominated in that role, averaging 31.0 disposals, 5.4 inside 50s, 6.2 clearances and 1.6 goals per game.
The move to the midfield highlights the enormous impact he'll have for years to come and certainly suggests a more permanent role as a midfielder in 2026 is on the cards, hence his placement in this list.
