In the fourth and final chapter of Zero Hanger's positional rankings for the final week leading up to the 2023 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:Â THE FIVE BEST FORWARDS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:Â THE FIVE BEST DEFENDERS FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
SEE ALSO:Â THE FIVE BEST RUCKMEN FOR THE 2023 AFL DRAFT
Accompanied by comments from AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan, here are the FIVE best midfielders for the 2023 AFL Draft...
Position: Midfielder
Height: 184cm
Weight: 76kg
State: Victoria
Club: Lysterfield
The Vic Metro midfielder was a key contributor in leading the Eastern Ranges to a grand final finish, with a strong second half to the year seeing Windsor emerge as a bonafide first-round prospect.
Is a pacey wingman who has speed on his side while also being a clean ball user by hand and foot to be an attacking X-Factor player - booting one goal in all of his last eight games in the Talent League.
Moved the ball at 75% efficiency at the National Championships this year from his 16-disposal average to rank as one of the leading distributors and outside midfielders on offer.
Will look comfortable at AFL level next year and is set to fetch high levels of interest at the opening night of the draft.
Kevin Sheehan says:Â A wingman with pace to burn. His preparedness to take the game on is a real weapon along with his decision making and ball use. Played all four games for Victoria Metro at the National Championships and was his team's best player in the loss to the Allies, while also shining with 22 disposals in the win over Western Australia.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 186cm
Weight: 74kg
State: Victoria
Club: Wangaratta Rovers
An aerobically gifted outside midfielder who can roam forward and impact the scoreboard, Wilson covers the ground nicely and knows how to find the ball before using it cleanly.
Posted a sub-six-minute time for the 2km time trial at the AFL Draft Combine and would also record top 10 scores in the running vertical, standing vertical and agility tests to flex his athleticism.
Representing Vic Country this year, Wilson only strengthened his case as the leading outside midfielder of his draft class on his way to averaging 16.0 disposals, 3.0 tackles and 1.0 goals per game at the higher level.
He would also star for the Murray Bushrangers to claim the club's best and fairest and a spot in the Talent League Team of the Year as one of the competition's premier ball winners.
Kevin Sheehan says:Â An elusive and creative forward or wingman who covers the ground exceptionally well and has innate ability around goals. He is still developing physically but had an outstanding year. Averaged 25.4 disposals and kicked 16 goals for the Murray Bushrangers to win the team's best and fairest and earn selection in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year.
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.
Kevin Sheehan says:Â 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.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 76kg
State: Tasmania
Club: Launceston
A high IQ and speedy midfielder who can offer plenty of dash through the stoppage or on the outside while possessing a damaging left boot.
Was a match-winner for the Allies as a standout fourth-term performer and would take out a midfield role alongside Sanders in the U18 All-Australian team this year after a premiership campaign at the National Championships.
Was equally dominant at the Talent League from just eight appearances, and would claim a tied first-place finish for the Morrish Medal despite his limited opportunities.
Can argue he's level with Sanders among this year's midfield crop, with both players heading 2023's exciting Tasmanian group.
Kevin Sheehan says:Â Had an outstanding year in the AFL's Talent Pathway including winning the Coates Talent League's Morrish Medal and finishing runner-up in the Larke Medal at the National Championships. Uses his dazzling speed to break the lines and kicks the ball with pinpoint accuracy on his preferred left foot.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
State: Victoria
Club: Tongala
The headline act of this year's draft class, with Reid's expected selection at Pick 1 an outcome that has been a long time coming.
The Bengido Pioneers utility can play anywhere on the field, but his best role comes in the middle where he can flex his physical strength and explosiveness around the ball.
Was a standout at any level he played this year, which included matches in the VFL for Essendon and Carlton, while also being viewed as the best performer for the AFL Academy in their maiden match against Port Adelaide's SANFL side.
Is one of the most ready-made teenagers that have come through the draft in the past decade, with Reid set to excite fans from the opening round next year.
Could be deployed at half-back, in attack or in the centre, with the Tongala native the cream of this year's crop.
Kevin Sheehan says:Â An exciting prospect who opened the National Championships with three goals in the first five minutes of Victoria Country's clash against South Australia which continued to build his reputation as a unique prospect. He this year confirmed his ability to impact the game whether forward, midfield or down back. Starred throughout the Championships playing in the midfield and changing forward, with his ability to win the contested ball at ground level or overhead among his many weapons.