If the Brownlow Medal is anything to go by, midfielders rule the AFL game.
Five of the last seven No.1 draft picks have been onballers, while the others, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Cadman, have been key forwards.
Clubs are always looking for that superstar talent that can power their side from the middle.
In reality, midfielders aren't everything, but most clubs will consider investing in the 2023 crop of followers and wingers.
While this year's pool isn't as strong as previous years nor as highly rated as the 2024 selection, clubs like Hawthorn, Geelong, and West Coast will be salivating at the prospect of fresh on-ball talent.
The Sporting News looks at the best young midfielders in the 2023 AFL draft.
MORE: AFL Draft 2023: Club-by-club prospects, draft order, likely selections
AFL Draft 2023 best midfielders
Harley Reid - Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country
Archetype: Midfielder forward
Harley Reid is a name that most AFL fans are familiar with by now. The highly touted Victorian has captured the imagination of recruiters with his Dustin Martin-like fend-offs and habit of breaking games open.
Reid is an excellent overhead mark with an explosive leap at his 187cm height and can play as a key defender or forward when needed. It remains to be seen where the 18-year-old will fit at the AFL level, but on talent alone, he looms as the best available midfielder in the class.
If Reid arrives at West Coast, expect him to slot straight into an on-ball to half forward rotation.
Colby McKercher - Tasmania Devils/Allies
Archetype: Accumulator
The term 'accumulator' seems to strike fear into fans' hearts, but don't worry, not only can Colby McKercher find the ball, he can use it too. Taking inspiration from Port Adelaide duo Connor Rozee and Zak Butters, the Tasmanian prospect loves to take the game on with his left boot and speed.
McKercher finished the Coates Talent League season with 12 goals while finishing third for disposals per game. A strong aerobic capacity allows the midfielder to cover the ground with ease.
For clubs looking for an out-and-out midfield option, McKercher could be the pick of the bunch.
Ryley Sanders - Sandringham Dragon/Allies
Archetype: Inside bull
Ryley Sanders has only Reid to compete with for the title of best contested midfielder in the 2023 draft class. The Tasmanian led all Talent League players for average disposals per game (30.6) and wowed recruiters with a best-on National Championships campaign.
The 185cm, 86kg bull has excellent size for his age but can lengthen his strides and break away from packs in the centre. Sanders also has the skillset to hit targets and kick goals, and is a known big-game player.
Caleb Windsor - Eastern Ranges/Vic Metro
Archetype: Outside midfielder
The AFL National Combine proved what we already knew — Caleb Windsor has pace to burn. Not only that, but genuine endurance, too.
Windsor has all the traits and experience for a wing role at the AFL level, but made a shift into an on-ball role for Vic Metro in the Championships. Clubs will look at the 18-year-old as a dual midfielder with good size and attributes for whichever role is needed.
MORE: AFL Phantom Draft 2023: Top 30 prospects, first round projections
James Leake - Tasmania Devils/Allies
Archetype: Utility
While multiple-position players Daniel Curtin and Zane Duursma appear better suited to non-midfield roles, this draft bolter could find his place as a genuine midfielder.
James Leake played most of the year at half back, before making strides as a forward and midfielder with the Devils. He's a skilful kick, has a strong overhead mark, and is a good size as a midfield prospect.
Jake Rogers - Gold Coast Academy/Allies
Archetype: Two-way midfielder
Jake Rogers has drawn comparisons to Touk Miller for his two-way role as a midfielder. The Gold Coast Academy talent may be small in size at 170cm, but his athletic play and speed more than make up for it.
Despite his selection as a U18 All-Australian midfielder, Rogers could spend more time in the forward line at AFL level with short shifts in the centre. The 18-year-old's speed and tackling pressure are likely to be felt at the next level very soon.
Darcy Wilson - Murray Bushrangers/Vic Country
Archetype: Winger
Darcy Wilson finished second in the National Combine's 2km time trial (5:52) and has proven he's capable of covering the ground with ease throughout the year.
Wilson is best suited to a wing role at the next level and should be a valuable aerial target, having topped the running vertical jump test this year (98cm). The hard-running midfielder also took out the Murray Bushrangers' best and fairest for his strong season.
MORE: Reports: 'Round Zero' to begin 2024 AFL season
Charlie Edwards - Sandringham Dragons
Archetype: Tall midfielder
A shift from half back to midfield has made Charlie Edwards one of the biggest bolters in the 2023 draft. The 191cm prospect has a burst of speed and an athletic build, but has also shown capable of hitting targets and winning ground ball.
With few inside midfielders available to clubs at the top end of the draft, Edwards could land in the early second round despite missing out on a national call-up.
George Stevens - GWV Rebels/Vic Country
Archetype: Big-bodied midfielder
George Stevens, the AFL Academy captain, can lead on and off the field. The Victorian averaged 28.8 disposals in the Talent League and was effective in the VFL with Geelong, too.
Stevens is an inside ball winner with a powerful frame. The question is whether he has the speed to match it with AFL athletes. Still, for clubs in need of inside grunt, the 18-year-old will be an attractive prospect in the late second to third round.
Clay Hall - Peel Thunder/Western Australia
Archetype: Ball-winning midfielder
A likely third or fourth-round selection, Clay Hall has been a standout at all levels this season. The Western Australian averaged 18.6 disposals in WAFL this season, playing nine senior games for Peel Thunder.
Hall is comfortable winning the ball in and out of the centre and likes to spread across the field to create link-up play. The only question over the midfield prospect is his speed around the contest, which could limit his ability as an onballer at the next level.
Kane McAuliffe - North Adelaide/South Australia
Archetype: Inside midfielder
South Australia's Kane McAuliffe has a strong on-ball skillset. He has clean hands, lays strong tackles, and gains good meterage with his clearances, plus he can do to against mature footballers.
McAuliffe was a top performer at the draft combine, finishing third in the running vertical jump (95cm) and fifth in the 20m sprint (2.93 seconds). He could be a bolter in this year's draft.
