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

2. Brisbane

Already home to one of the most efficient midfield groups in 2022, the Lions' engine room has significantly grown stronger since their preliminary final exit last September.

The coup of Bulldogs best and fairest winner Josh Dunkley could very well be the difference in the Lions reaching the week of the season, with the well-balanced onballer also bringing premiership contention to Springfield.

After working with a group of bonafide stars of the competition at Whitten Oval, Dunkley joins a midfield pack with a similar stature, led by Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale.

The Lions' new co-captain put his best foot forward during Brisbane's strong September series last year to remind the competition of his presence as one of the AFL's best midfielders.

His right-hand man in Hugh McCluggage made the move into the centre square after serving as a wingman in his earliest years, with 2022 proving to be another fruitful season for the former No.3 pick to earn a fourth successive All-Australian squad selection.

With Dunkley sure to take up some centre bounce attendances this year, McCluggage could be switched back onto a wing to aid rotations.

Also in the middle will be top draft star Will Ashcroft, who looks ready to have an immediate impact on Chris Fagan's planning after joining the Lions as the second overall selection.

Lions fans can expect Ashcroft to look more than comfortable in playing at the elite level as a teenager, potentially mimicking the standard on show by Collingwood rookie Nick Daicos last year.

Fagan will also have livewire Zac Bailey as another burgeoning onballer to rely on this year, while former No.1 pick Cam Rayner looks likely to spend more time in the defensive half this season.

That move will come as more midfield time will be thrust toward Jarrod Berry and Deven Robertson, two more Lions that proved their worth during wins over Melbourne and Richmond in last year's finals series.

Brisbane's midfield depth runs deep, with the likes of Jarryd Lyons, Rhys Mathieson and James Tunstill hoping to secure themselves a spot under Fagan, while first-round draftee Jaspa Fletcher may also get a look at AFL level in 2023.

Oscar McInerney will continue to be Brisbane's reliable first-string ruck, with Darcy Fort hoping to build on a promising maiden season as a Lion as his sidekick.