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.
6. (7) West Coast
This ranking is purely based on the merit of a fully healthy and functioning West Coast outfit.
If it wasn't... It would be hard to not slot them dead last provided that no one knows whether or not the Eagles will field any AFL level players come Round 1?
Nonetheless, with a somewhat injury-hampered side last season, West Coast still managed to rank first in centre clearances per game, second in hit-outs per game and sixth in total clearances.
Surprisingly, the Eagles also ranked 14th for inside 50s per game but fifth in goal efficiency.
What this communicates is that their stacked (healthy) midfield is great when they can get first hands to the footy and often place their forwards in positions where they can succeed.
Yet, when West Coast struggles to claim possession they often falter in their defensive efforts, hence them ranking 18th for tackles per game.
If Adam Simpson is to give his side hope heading into this season he must implement a successful defensive adjustment into his current game plan to hold down the fort until the team has aย chance to reload and give it a fair-dinkum crack.
With Nic Naitanui still healthy and motivated, the WAFL midfield that runs onto the ground with the All-Australian will have great service and opportunity to move the footy forward but whether or not this happens remains to be seen.
Under typical circumstances, there would be no debate as to the validity of a healthy Eagles midfield so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
