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

3. Sydney

The Swans have an enviable midfield group given the pedigree and age profile of their leading names.

Managing to pull their side to a grand final finish last year, Sydney's mix of star players and young guns is sure to see them back on the big stage in no time.

Co-captains Callum Mills and Luke Parker are the experienced heads in the middle of the field, despite the former only just entering the peak of his career.

The duo will continue to lead the charge under John Longmire, but will continue to find exceptional support from their younger ranks.

2022 saw Chad Warner explode onto the scene, with his movement through packs and ability to break lines a welcomed asset for Longmire's system last season.

Early signs of 2023 show Academy graduate Errol Gulden could follow a similar path this season after enjoying a stellar opening two years at AFL level.

Then there's James Rowbottom, another under-23 talent that would likely be seen as a top midfielder at several other clubs. The swift and skilful onballer could reach the heights both Warner and Gulden are seen likely to strike this year as he enters his fifth campaign with the Bloods.

Dylan Stephens has begun to find some strong form at senior level, particularly during Sydney's finals campaign last year. Likely to slot onto a wing, he and Justin McInerney add more excitement and youth to Longmire's midfield depth chart.

The Swans' ruck plans will be one to watch this season, with former Port Adelaide tall Peter Ladhams sure to have his sights on the No.1 spot amid Tom Hickey's absence due to injury.

Hickey has been a revelation for the Swans across the past two seasons since moving from West Coast, but could find minutes harder to come by in 2023 should Ladhams make a strong case to be Longmire's first-string ruck selection.