The most and least turnover-prone midfielders in the AFL revealed

In the chaotic game of Australian Rules football, turnovers are a given, particularly in scrappy, high-stakes fixtures where the heat of the contest is at its highest. That's what makes clean ball-users pivotal pieces to premiership teams, especially inside the midfield.

In fact, the last three premiers have had at least one starting midfielder rank inside the top three for disposals per turnover in the position, with Cam Guthrie (third in 2022), Nick Daicos (first in 2023) and Lachie Neale (third in 2024) some of the AFL's most effective midfielders in their club's premiership years, respectively.

So, who were the AFL's cleanest midfielders during the 2025 season, and which players struggled to make the most of their possessions?

Leading the way as the least turnover-prone AFL midfielder is Geelong's Tom Atkins. He's reached new heights in 2025 as Geelong's midfield bull, with captain Patrick Dangerfield spending more time up forward and superstars Bailey Smith and Max Holmes most damaging as outside runners.

It meant the Cats are more reliant on Atkins' pressure at the ground contest, and he's elevated his play to meet those demands, averaging a career-high 19.5 disposals and 5.5 clearances per game.

Despite the increased volume, Atkins is as poised as ever with ball in hand, evident by his league-leading 9.2 disposals per turnover, which has ensured the Cats not only win midfield battles, but also can generate scores from those wins. Geelong ranks fourth in scores from centre bounces and third in scores from stoppage, which Atkins' influence undoubtedly plays a role in.

Father Time is undefeated, but Scott Pendlebury may be his greatest test, as the 37-year-old refuses to slow down and continues to be one of Collingwood's most influential players as they search for a second premiership in three years. He trails Atkins ever so slightly in terms of avoiding turnovers with the ball in his possession, averaging 9.1 disposals for every turnover he commits.

There are several players inside the top 10 of the 91 qualified midfielders who avoid turnovers strongly, despite a significant volume of disposals. George Hewett gives the opposition the ball every 8.1 disposals, a remarkable figure considering he averages 28.1 disposals per game. For context, no other midfielder who averages at least 28 disposals per game comes close to that rate, with Noah Anderson the closest, turning the ball over every 6.8 disposals.

However, there's a handful of players who come close, with Andrew Brayshaw, Marcus Bontempelli and Will Ashcroft all averaging over seven disposals per turnover while collecting at least 26 possessions per game.

On the flip side of things, three Eagles make up the most turnover-prone AFL midfielders of the 91 qualified - Tyrell Dewar, Harley Reid and Jack Hutchinson - highlighting the inexperience within their midfield group that is still in need of developing.

Tyrell Dewar's disposal-to-turnover ratio is notably alarming, however, as among the 91 qualified midfielders, his contested possession percentage of 21.5% is comfortably the lowest, meaning he is regularly turning the ball over without pressure. Comparatively, Harley Reid, while also averaging 4.2 disposals per turnover, has a 43.7% contested possession rate.

Some other notable players in the bottom 10 include Sydney's Chad Warner, who has had a slightly down year in terms of disposals, disposal efficiency and goal scoring, particularly in the early stages of the Swans' dour season.

However, it's important to note that statistics like these don't tell the full story. Jordan Dawson has easily been one of the AFL's most impactful players this year, and deservedly earned an All-Australian blazer on Thursday night, despite being one of the AFL's most turnover-prone players, averaging 5.1 turnovers per game, equal-fifth most in the qualified group.

The following table lists the top 10 midfielders for disposals per turnover (minimum 15 games played)

The following table lists the bottom 10 midfielders for disposals per turnover (minimum 15 games played)