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.
4. (9) Carlton
Will art imitate life in regards to Carlton's midfield ranking and ladder finish...
With their aggressive off-season moves to secure the services of George Hewett and Adam Cerra, the Blues now boast a midfield worth bragging about. The pair add a buffer between star duo Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps who have less of the proverbial load to shoulder now that Hewett can take on key defensive tasks in the middle while Cerra adds some class outside of the contest.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Everyone knows the superhuman capabilities of Walsh, who hopefully makes a speedy recovery from his syndesmosis injury, as he not only attacks the footy with reckless abandon but also acts swiftly and aggressively when tasked with breaking the lines and advancing the ball forward.
'Crippa' is no stranger to accumulating the footy and with more assistance plus time to heal from the back issues that plagued him last year it will come as no surprise when he regains his best form.
Speaking of regaining form, Zac Williams will be determined to live up to the huge contract he commanded upon his arrival to Princes Park. Most likely tasked with a hybrid wing role entering 2022, Williams should feel more comfortable as he'll largely be tasked with fulfilling an advanced incarnation of his GWS role.
The ruck tandem of Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning is solid but not great, while the varied degree of contributions from Ed Curnow, Matthew Kennedy, Nic Newman and Sam Docherty add depth to a now elite Carlton midfield.
