The midfield is arguably the most important positional group in footy, as they're tasked with being present at most contests and all stoppages while serving as the link between their defence and offence.
Without a strong ensemble of onballers, teams are destined to fall apart as middling play in this area results in catastrophic consequences to the outcome of a contest on a given day.
Not all midfields are alike, as some prioritise a physical ball-winning style, while others emphasise a run-and-gun outside game, while there are sides that prefer a healthy balance of the two.
Each club has its own formula for constructing the ideal midfield but every side's engine room can perform at the highest level.
With this in mind, let's have a look at the league's best midfield groups heading into 2022, starting from 18-13.
5. (14) Adelaide
Adelaide has an interesting midfield.
Not the youngest, not the oldest but also with no one currently in their prime aside from Rory Laird.
The likes of Ben Keays, Jordan Dawson, Matt Crouch and Reilly O'Brien are poised to reach their apex years coming into 2022 but others like Rory Sloane and Paul Seedsman are now the elder statesmen of the Crows' engine room.
Adelaide has some red flags despite their obvious talent, mainly being ranked 17th in disposals and uncontested possessions. This communicates that the Crows struggle to get their hands on the footy, especially with time and space.
Conversely, Adelaide ranked third for rebound 50's per game last season, seeing that when they finally did get possession they were very daring with their ball movement, as evident with their big victories over Geelong and eventual premiers Melbourne in 2021.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
In order for the Crows to continue ascending, they must become more aggressive in their pursuit of the footy and win more contested balls, essentially relying less on Sloane and Laird, as this will complement their already formidable outside game.
While Adelaide has room to improve, they likely won't ascend into the upper echelon of midfield groups with their current crop.
