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.

5. (14th) Essendon

The Bombers have some clear tiers throughout their midfield pack, with a start duo, some serviceable rotation options and a flock of young names all combining to make up Brad Scott's engine room.

Their midfield is headline by Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish, who orchestrated the finest work of their careers in the past two seasons. Parish enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2021 to earn All-Australian honours, while Merrett was among the competition's best players in the second half of last season.

Former Giant Dylan Shiel is an astute third-string onballer who will be looking to improve on a better 2022 season as he again compliments the likes of Parish and Merrett.

With Andrew McGrath moving out of the midfield this year, more opportunities will be on offer to Essendon's younger ranks, with Archie Perkins, Jye Caldwell, Elijah Tsatas, Ben Hobbs and Nic Martin all set to get a good look through the middle.

Martin has proven to be a shrewd pickup for the Bombers and will likely slot into a wing spot, with Sam Durham and new recruit Will Setterfield also viable outside options.

Darcy Parish during the AFL match between Essendon and Adelaide, Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media

Kyle Langford may be squeezed out of the midfield rotations and utilised as a permanent forward, a move Jake Stringer is also flagged to undergo this year.

Father-son recruit Alwyn Davey is another midfielder that is expected to be thrown into the forward group as he looks to build his game.

Ruckman Sam Draper will resume his role as Essendon's sole hit-out force, with the South Australian looking to reach new heights after a solid campaign last year.