We've reached the third and final instalment of our AFL midfield rankings ahead of Round 1, with the top six midfield groups revealed to round out our rankings.

Here we identify the best midfield packs from 6th to 1st heading into the 2023 season following the first two parts of our rankings series.

SEE: PART I AND PART II OF OUR MIDFIELD RANKINGS

5. Richmond

Richmond enter this year with a significantly different midfield contingent compared to a year ago, with two big-name recruits landing at Punt Road ahead of 2023.

GWS pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper requested moves to Richmond and immediately give the Tigers a revival in their premiership contention, with the duo set to lead Damien Hardwick's midfield planning from their first games.

Hopper will be the Tigers' new inside workhorse, getting first possession for his side and moving the Sherrin to outlet options in the form of Taranto and livewire Shai Bolton.

The latter enjoyed a stellar 2022 season in shifting more of his attention from the forward line to the midfield, earning All-Australian honours to be on course for further success as a midfield option.

Bolton looks ready to take the reins from Dustin Martin as Richmond's main attraction in the middle, while inside onballer Dion Prestia may continue to be the quiet achiever in the yellow and black.

Prestia, who managed an eighth-placed finish in the Brownlow last year, is the serviceable ball winner in Richmond's midfield and will only benefit from the arrivals of Taranto and Hopper.

Richmond's midfield goes far deeper than their top line of stars, with Jayden Short and Liam Baker both able to slot into central roles when called upon, while Jack Graham may find a new gear given the fresh competition for midfield spots.

The Tigers will also be able to rely on premiership captain Trent Cotchin, who is flagged for a move into the forward line, as well as emerging names in Jack Ross, Thomson Dow and Tyler Sonsie.

Veteran pair Marlion Pickett and Kamdyn McIntosh will again lead the way on the wings after holding down the fort fantastically in 2022.

Co-captain Toby Nankervis will again be the Tigers' leading ruck option with Ivan Soldo to push for first-string duties, while swingman Noah Balta and tall forward Jack Riewoldt able to pinch-hit in Soldo's absence.