Noted to be where the game is won or lost, the midfield is a crucial element in the AFL that each side will look to perfect.

In search of finding the right balance of offensive flourish and defensive accountability, each side's engine room is often where the star names and key players ply their trade.

The middle of the field is often the birthplace for Brownlow Medal winners, with the best accumulators going toe-to-toe when the ball hits the deck.

With all 18 AFL clubs having planned to perfect their midfield across the past months, we put each club's central contingent under the microscope and rank them from 18th best down to 1st.

Here is Part I of our midfield rankings, covering 18th to 13th.

2. (17th) North Melbourne

North Melbourne's midfield crew is home to a balance of emerging talent and household figures, but it will be the former that takes the stage as the main attraction under Alastair Clarkson.

Explosive onballer Luke Davies-Uniacke could announce himself as a top-echelon midfielder by the end of this year after a stellar 2022 campaign saw him reach new heights, while two-time Syd Barker Medal winner and newly-appointed co-captain Jy Simpkin will feature as his partner in crime.

Inspirational veteran Ben Cunnington will return to the fold full-time this season, with the baton passed to the aforementioned duo after an extended period away from the game.

The all-business ball-winner will be the senior voice in Clarkson's midfield group and will be aided by experienced pair Hugh Greenwood and Liam Shiels.

At the other end of the age order is Pick 4 selection George Wardlaw, who will be given time to develop and hone his craft throughout his maiden campaign at Arden Street.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26: Will Phillips of the Kangaroos and Tristan Xerri of the Kangaroos lead the team off the ground after a win during the 2021 AFL Round 15 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Gold Coast Suns at Blundstone Arena on June 26, 2021 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Third-year midfielder Will Phillips will be looking to enjoy a full season of football after illness hampered his sophomore year, while fellow 2020 draftee Tom Powell is sure to press for a starting role to begin the new season.

North Melbourne's wing options have been bolstered by the addition of Docker Darcy Tucker, while Shiels, Bailey Scott, Tarryn Thomas and Curtis Taylor can also offer outside run.

North Melbourne's ruck plans will be intriguing this year, with veteran Todd Goldstein sure to feel even more pressure from Tristan Xerri for the first-string ruck duties, while Callum Coleman-Jones will also make a case to pinch-hit in the middle.

Expect Xerri to lead the way this season as Clarkson's plans lock in on the future.