Often regarded as the best players in the competition, the AFL's top midfielders are placed in the upper echelon of football talent.
The most likely position to win the AFL's esteemed awards, from Brownlows, to Norm Smith's, to club best and fairests, midfielders clean up as they roam the full field. Regularly running farther than other players, the best midfielders have incredible endurance as they accumulate touches of the football again and again.
In recent times, the ability for midfielders to hit the scoreboard has become a key part of the best midfielders' game, whilst influential touches are seen as greater than amassing a pile of possessions for little impact.
With onballers typically the best player on each team, there are plenty of players to choose from when determining a top 10. So, before we delve into the 10 best midfielders, here is a group of players unlucky not to be rewarded with a spot on the list...
Snubs:
*Positions based on Champion Data's 'midfielder' qualifications.
7. Zach Merrett
Throughout the majority of the year, Essendon skipper Zach Merrett was anticipated to captain the All-Australian side. Merrett willed the Bombers through matches at times in 2024 as the red and black made a successful start to the year.
Merrett averaged 28.2 disposals, five tackles, 4.7 inside 50s, and 7.1 score involvements in 2024. His 30-disposal, nine-tackle ANZAC Day effort won him the best-on-ground medal, whilst his three-goal performance against the Eagles a week later was his best scoring contribution.
To the dismay of Essendon supporters, Merrett was snubbed from a fourth All-Australian selection, but his leadership and on-field performances won't rob his place in this top ten list.
