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.
2. Patrick Cripps
A second, record-breaking Brownlow medal summarised a dominant year by Cripps, as his Blues bowed out early in the elimination final to the reigning premiers.
Although Cripps is still waiting to add that elusive flag to his resume, the Carlton skipper has become one of the AFL's superstars.
Career-high disposal figures of 28.9 per game demonstrate Cripps' influence for the Blues, while he also has averaged over five tackles per game for the last three seasons, indicative of his two-way running.
A league-best eight clearances per game exceeds any other midfielder, whilst he remains threatening inside 50, averaging seven score involvements.
Across all major statistical categories and career awards, Cripps and the number one midfielder on this list are nearly identical.ย Only one major prize separates the two, which is why Cripps falls victim to second place.
