The midfield is arguably the most important position 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 on-ballers, 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 and then there are sides that prefer a healthy balanceย of the two.
SEE ALSO: Every AFL club's midfield ranked: Part I
Each club has its own formula for constructing the ideal midfield but not all team'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 12-7.
2. (11) Richmond
Richmond is a dangerous team that has skewed perceptions in the wake of an injury-riddled season.
Yet, their midfield isn't great... The Tigers are a side that is largely anchored by their stellar defensive structure and dynamic forward line.
They were ranked 18th in total clearances per game, 17th in hit-outs and 13th in tackles, injuries or not the yellow and black didn't have the same intensity around the footy as in previous seasons.
This is concerning because effort isn't a type of skill that lacks without talented players, it's all about how hard you work when you're on the field which anyone should be able to display at the AFL level. If the Tigers are going to push for one last tilt at a flag they have some soul searching to do prior to the 2022 season.
Dustin Martin isn't even a full-time contributor to their engine room given Damien Hardwick's propensity to play the three-time Norm Smith Medalist as a centre-forward who pinch hits on the ball when Richmond needs a spark.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
That's a ridiculously large hole to plug and one that the Tigers quite frankly can't. Outside of the ageing Trent Cotchin, Richmond does field some nice pieces in Jack Graham, Dion Prestia, Kamdyn McIntosh, Shane Edwards and Toby Nankervis.
This lot is good at getting the footy and typically uses it well but it does lack some star power in comparison to the league's top-tier midfield groups.
