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.
6. (13) Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Suns are set to struggle once again, however they happen to boast a stacked midfield with elite talent on the wings, in the guts and in the ruck.
They're led by newly appointed co-skipper and 2021 All-Australian Touk Miller, who is ferocious in his pursuit of the footy while simultaneously being an effective kick and tremendous decision-maker.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The Suns then field best mates and former top two draftees Matthew Rowell and Noah Anderson, who aren't shy when it comes to finding inside balls and facilitating to others. The duo are likely to continue their ascension heading into 2022, especially Rowell who will look to put his injury issues aside and reclaim the early-career form that had him hyped as an all-timer.
Then add in the likes of the silky Jack Lukosius who can both thump one lace out and sell some candy, while the stoic Jarrod Witts isn't shy about throwing his weight around at stoppages and typically gives others a fair crack with his hit-outs.
The Suns ranked first in rebound 50's per game and second in tackles per game, which highlights their effort in spite of their obvious shortcomings. Yet these metrics are likely to take a dip in the wake of the boneheaded error that resulted in Hugh Greenwood's departure.
Some key areas for concern are that Gold Coast ranked 14th in total clearances per game and 16th in inside 50's per game, nonetheless with Witts' impending return and Rowell's full bill of health, improvement seems imminent as this impressive nucleus continues to grow.
