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
5Bailey Smith
The former Bulldog has relished his increased midfield minutes at the Cattery, leading the league in disposals per game and averaging career-highs in metres gained, clearances, inside 50s and score involvements.
While many thought Bailey Smith would perform well with a change of scenery, few expected him to become one of the league's most dominant ball winners so soon, nor turn Geelong's once middling midfield into one of the league's most dangerous engine rooms.
With a grand final appearance, All-Australian nod and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year title to boot, Smith has certainly staked a claim to be a top five midfielder in the league at minimum.
If he can clean up his efficiency by foot to further capitalise on his run-and-gun power, there's a strong likelihood he's up even higher in a top 10 midfielder ranking this time next year.
