In the fourth and final chapter of Zero Hanger'sย positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023ย AFL Draft, we'll be counting down the five best midfielders on offer.

Victoria and Tasmania make up our list of the leading midfielders, who combine to offer both inside and outside hustle and a balance of speed, clean ball use, contested work and attacking traits.

All five midfielders could fetch a selection within the top 10 of next week's draft, while the No.1 onballer is destined to be the first name called on Monday night.

SEE ALSO:ย THE FIVE BEST FORWARDS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:ย THE FIVE BEST DEFENDERS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:ย THE FIVE BEST RUCKMEN FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT

Accompanied by comments fromย AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best midfielders for the 2023 AFL Draft...

3. Ryley Sanders

Position: Midfielder
Height: 185cm
Weight: 86kg
State: Tasmania
Club: North Launceston

The Tasmanian took out the Larke Medal this year as the best player at the National Championships, helping lead the Allies to their maiden carnival title.

Averaged 35.5 disposals at the carnival to go with his 30.6-disposal average with the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League, where he also won a premiership.

Is a smooth mover at the coalface and can find pockets of space with ease while also hurting the opposition on the defensive end with his tackling and physicality.

Will be an intriguing name to watch at the draft after earning NGA status with North Melbourne, while clubs will be mindful of Tasmania's incoming venture into the AFL and the potential lute home for their local draft stars.

Allies talent Ryley Sanders at 2023 National Championships (Photo by Mark Brake/AFL Photos)

Kevin Sheehan says:ย Strong-bodied midfielder who is both powerful and courageous in his attack on the ball and with the pressure he exerts on the opposition in contests. His strong two-way running is another feature of his game and was on display as dominated for the Allies at the National Championships, averaging 35 disposals at 80 percent efficiency, with 14.5 contested possessions, five clearances and four tackles to win the Larke Medal as the best and fairest player.