It's often labelled a midfielder's competition, and the AFL has seen a plethora of elite talent in this position, particularly in recent seasons.
Most annual AFL awards and accomplishments are achieved out of the midfield position and while many argue that premierships start with the backline, it is clear that dynasties are made by the midfield (see Richmond, Hawthorn, Brisbane).
While it is scrutinised by many pundits, every AFL All-Australian team is littered with them, 2022 alone featured eight mids all over the ground.
Without further ado, here are our rankings of the top 10 midfielders of 2022.
SEE ALSO: TOP 10 DEFENDERS OF 2022
9. Rory Laird
Unlike Crisp, stats alone would have Rory Laird potentially within the top three players on this list after a stellar 2022 season, averaging a whopping 33 disposals, 8.1 tackles and 7.6 clearances.
He ranks in the elite category for every essential midfielder stat and produced some monster performances this year, including a record-breaking 20-tackle display in Round 18.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Adelaide's poor performance on-field has hindered his status among the league's best, preventing him from showcasing his elite-level play in big-time games and do-or-die moments.
While he does impact games forward of centre with a high rate of score-involvements, he doesn't add to the scoreboard himself very often, kicking just seven goals on the year, most of them during the back-end of the season in somewhat meaningless games for Adelaide.
While Crows fans will likely believe Laird should sit higher among midfielders, it is a rare feat to feature on a list like this playing in a bottom-six side.
