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
8. Marcus Bontempelli
In a loaded 2022 Western Bulldogs midfield featuring Macrae, Dunkley, Liberatore, Smith and others, 'the Bont' has still managed to put up big numbers and contribute to winning at a truly elite level.
The skipper does a notable amount of damage forward of centre, kicking more than a goal per game while providing 7.8 score involvements and 5.6 inside 50s.
Midfielder
Disposals
Inside50s
Goals
The Dogs' disposal accumulation is primarily left to Jack Macrae, while the in & under grit is provided by 'Libba', leaving Bontempelli to add the poise, class and goalkicking threat to the midfield, which he does very effectively.
In previous seasons, Bontempelli has been touted as the best in the comp by some, but a relatively poor year for the Dogs has impacted his status. Despite a sensational output in the heartbreaking elimination final loss to Fremantle, the Bont just couldn't quite do enough to wrestle back momentum and get his side over the line.
This form of scrutiny is tough on a player of such high calibre, but is important in these discussions about the best of the best.
