It's often labelled a midfielder's competition, and the AFL has seen a plethora of elite talent in this position, particularly in recent seasons.
Most annual AFL awards and accomplishments are achieved out of the midfield position and while many argue that premierships start with the backline, it is clear that dynasties are made by the midfield (see Richmond, Hawthorn, Brisbane).
While it is scrutinised by many pundits, every AFL All-Australian team is littered with them, 2022 alone featured eight mids all over the ground.
Without further ado, here are our rankings of the top 10 midfielders of 2022.
SEE ALSO: TOP 10 DEFENDERS OF 2022
3. Patrick Cripps
The 2022 Brownlow Medallist should arguably be No.1 on this list after a truly monumental season in which he averaged 28.1 disposals, 7.7 clearances, 6.7 score involvements and a goal per game. However, Carlton's inconsistent season has affected his status despite Cripps' individual consistency.
Midfielder
Disposals
Clearances
Goals
The Blues skipper faced scrutiny in recent seasons for not performing to the standard he set in his first few years but responded in a big way this year and looks back to his best entering 2023.
If there was any doubt that Cripps is a generational talent, those questions were answered this year as the 195cm beast took the league by storm.
Over 15 contested possessions per game is a terrific feat and his goalkicking ability truly sets him apart from most midfielders. He is a deserved Brownlow Medal winner whose legacy now depends on the future success of Carlton.
Can he lead Carlton to their first premiership since 1995?
