ANY WAY we looked at it, Greater Western Sydney's midfield stood out as the best in the competition.

After scrutinising each team's likely starting line-ups, back-up players, scope for improvement and 2016 stats, the Giants' onball division was a clear No.1.

That's not to say there aren't legitimate challengers to GWS's midfield throne. There are, most notably the Western Bulldogs, Sydney Swans and Collingwood.

Geelong and Hawthorn were two of the hardest teams to judge. In Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood, the Cats have the best one-two midfield punch in the AFL, but do they have the depth to improve on this year's preliminary final appearance?

And will Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara cover the considerable hole left in the Hawks' on-ball division by the departures of Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis?

Several teams look set to be big midfield improvers in 2017, chiefly Fremantle, Melbourne, St Kilda and Essendon. Others like West Coast (Nic Naitanui), North Melbourne (Daniel Wells, Nick Dal Santo) and Gold Coast (O'Meara, Dion Prestia) will be looking to cover key losses.

It's said more and more often nowadays that games are won in the midfield. Here's how AFL.com.au rates your team in this critical part of the ground.

1. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

B: Heath Shaw, Aidan Corr, Zac Williams

HB: Nathan Wilson, Phil Davis, Nick Haynes

C: Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Josh Kelly

HF: Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Brett Deledio

F: Rory Lobb, Jonathon Patton, Steve Johnson

Foll: Shane Mumford, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio

I/C: Devon Smith, Lachie Whitfield, Jacob Hopper, Ryan Griffen

Depth

Midfield: Matt De Boer, Tom Downie, Matthew Flynn, Matthew Kennedy, Tendai Mzungu, Harry Perryman, Will Setterfield, Dawson Simpson, Tim Taranto

Forwards: Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid, Lachlan Tiziani, Zach Sproule

Defenders: Matt Buntine, Isaac Cumming, Jeremy Finlayson, Harrison Himmelberg, Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Joel Patfull, Jake Stein

With no major losses and the addition of former Richmond gun Brett Deledio, its little wonder the Giants are top of the list for 2017. Star big man Shane Mumford, co-captain Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio and Ryan Griffen provide hard bodies at the contest, and are perfectly complemented by the explosive run of Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Tom Scully, while Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield ooze class with the footy in their hands on the wings. The recruitment of former Dockers Matt De Boer and Tendai Mzungai gives GWS some valuable experience if called upon, with second-year guns Jacob Hopper, Matthew Kennedy ready to step up next year.

2. WESTERN BULLDOGS

B: Dale Morris, Marcus Adams, Matthew Boyd

HB: Robert Murphy, Easton Wood, Jason Johannisen

C: Lachie Hunter, Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae

HF: Caleb Daniel, Travis Cloke, Stewart Crameri

F: Jake Stringer, Tom Boyd, Tory Dickson

Foll: Jordan Roughead, Tom Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus

I/C: Liam Picken, Clay Smith, Shane Biggs, Bailey Williams

Depth

Midfield: Tom Campbell, Bailey Dale, Tim English, Declan Hamilton, Lin Jong, Matthew Suckling, Mitch Wallis

Forwards: Josh Dunkley, Fergus Greene, Mitch Honeychurch, Patrick Lipinski, Toby McLean, Nathan Mullenger-McHugh, Jack Redpath, Tristan Tweedie, Lewis Young

Defenders: Kieren Collins, Zaine Cordy, Bradley Lynch, Josh Prudden, Fletcher Roberts, Roarke Smith, Lukas Webb

What the Bulldogs lack in midfield experience, they well and truly make up for in skill, class and hunger, a key factor in their premiership win this year. Marcus Bontempelli leads the way for the young Dogs, and it's incredible to think that he, along with Lachie Hunter, Jackson Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Luke Dahlhaus, Mitch Wallis, Clay Smith and Caleb Daniel, is under 25 years of age. The premiers led the competition for contested possession differential last season and have both the inside grunt, and outside class to trouble every team in the league. The impact of big men Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd was also significant late in 2016, giving the Bulldogs a powerful and athletic combination.

3. SYDNEY

B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe

HB: Callum Mills, Aliir Aliir, Jarrad McVeigh

C: Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Jake Lloyd

HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Gary Rohan

F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Callum Sinclair

Foll: Kurt Tippett, Josh Kennedy, Isaac Heeney

I/C: Zak Jones, Daniel Robinson, Dean Towers, Oliver Florent

Depth

Midfield: Harry Cunningham, Shaun Edwards, Robbie Fox, Jordan Foote, Brandon Jack, Tyrone Leonardis, Sam Naismith, Ben Ronke

Forwards: Darcy Cameron, Jordan Dawson, Sam Fisher, Will Hayward, George Hewett, Sam Murray, Toby Pink, James Rose

Defenders: Alex Johnson, Jeremy Laidler, Jack Maibaum, Harrison Marsh, Lewis Melican, Nic Newman, Colin O’Riordan, Michael Talia

The Swans may have lost Tom Mitchell to the Hawks, but John Longmire's midfield unit is still stacked with elite talent, led by new captain Josh Kennedy and All Australians Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery. Sydney was ranked number one for total contested possessions in 2016, and ranked second for clearances and stoppages, which was no surprise given Kennedy led the league in all three categories for the season. The reigning club champion and Parker give the Swans outstanding service inside, while Hannebery, Kieren Jack and Jake Lloyd provide assistance, and also add valuable outside run. Isaac Heeney and Jarrad McVeigh should also find midfield time next year, and versatile big men Kurt Tippett, Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair give the Swans great ruck depth.

Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy lead a stellar Swans onball group. Picture: AFL Photos





4. COLLINGWOOD

B: Tyson Goldsack, Lynden Dunn, Ben Sinclair

HB: Jeremy Howe, Ben Reid, Brayden Maynard

C: Daniel Wells, Adam Treloar, Steele Sidebottom

HF: Chris Mayne, Jesse White, Will Hoskin-Elliott

F: Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Scott Pendlebury, Taylor Adams

I/C: Travis Varcoe, Jack Crisp, Josh Smith, James Aish

Depth

Midfield: Levi Greenwood, Jordan De Goey, Tom Phillips, Rupert Wills, Josh Thomas, Callum Brown, Max Lynch, Brayden Sier

Forwards: Jarryd Blair, Mason Cox, Ben Crocker, Tim Broomhead, Josh Daicos, Kayle Kirby

Defenders: Tom Langdon, Jackson Ramsay, Matt Scharenberg, Adam Oxley, Lachlan Keeffe, Henry Schade, Sam McLarty, Liam Mackie, Mitch McCarthy

Stats gurus at Champion Data may have ranked Collingwood's midfield at No.1, but AFL.com.au has this group pegged slightly lower, behind the Giants, Bulldogs and Swans. However, there is no question the Magpies bat deep in the engine room. Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar and Steele Sidebottom are all A-graders who have the ability to turn games in their team's favour. Brodie Grundy enjoyed a breakout 2016 season and deserves his standing a couple of rungs below All Australian ruckman Max Gawn. The inclusion of Daniel Wells instantly adds the outside speed the club was craving, however his fitness continues to be of major concern. Taylor Adams, Levi Greenwood and Jordan De Goey are all better than capable AFL players and can impact games.

5. FREMANTLE

B: Tommy Sheridan, Joel Hamling, Lee Spurr

HB: Michael Johnson, Alex Pearce, Garrick Ibbotson

C: Bradley Hill, Lachie Neale, Stephen Hill

HF: Harley Bennell, Cam McCarthy, Danyle Pearce

F: Michael Walters, Michael Apeness, Hayden Ballantyne

Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy

I/C: Lachie Weller, Connor Blakely, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker

Depth

Midfield: Harley Balic, Zac Clarke, Sean Darcy, Jon Griffin, Ed Langdon, Nick Suban, Josh Deluca

Forwards: Brennan Cox, Hayden Crozier, Shane Kersten, Matt Taberner, Luke Strnadica

Defenders: Sam Collins, Zac Dawson, Ethan Hughes, Luke Ryan, Cam Sutcliffe, Taylin Duman, Brady Grey, Ryan Nyhuis, Matthew Uebergang

Fremantle's starting centre square set up is arguably the best in the game, with a dominant ruckman in Aaron Sandilands and three genuine ball magnets in Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale and David Mundy. Throw in the ball carrying ability at speed of Stephen and Bradley Hill, Danyle Pearce, and – fingers crossed for the Dockers – Harley Bennell, and Ross Lyon's unit looks fantastic. With Michael Walters also set for more midfield time, and young stars Lachie Weller, Darcy Tucker and Connor Blakely showing some great signs this year too, depth at Freo isn't an issue.

6. GEELONG

B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Lonergan, Jed Bews

HB: Zach Tuohy, Harry Taylor, Jackson Thurlow

C: Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie, Steven Motlop

HF: Daniel Menzel, Lachie Henderson, Lincoln McCarthy

F: Nakia Cockatoo, Tom Hawkins, Scott Selwood

Foll: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood

I/C: Sam Menegola, Andrew Mackie, Mark Blicavs, Josh Cowan

Depth

Midfield: Rhys Stanley, George Horlin-Smith, Esava Ratugolea, Jordan Murdoch, James Parsons, Darcy Lang, Jordan Cunico, Ryan Abbott, Matthew Hayball, Sam Simpson, Jack Henry

Forwards: Brandan Parfitt, Quinton Narkle, Jamaine Jones, Aaron Black, Wylie Buzza, Cory Gregson

Defenders: Tom Ruggles, Tom Stewart, Zach Guthrie, Timm House, Ryan Gardner, Mark O'Connor

The star power of Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood's significantly boosts Geelong's standing when compared to opposing midfields. The pair was ranked No.1 and No.2 in the AFL in centre clearances respectively last season, while they were top-10 in clearances and contested possessions. Geelong's reliance on 'Dangerwood' can also be a hindrance, as emphasised by the fact Zac Smith was Geelong's third best clearance player – with 95 fewer clearances than Dangerfield last season. More will be expected of Steven Motlop and Mitch Duncan after disappointing 2016 seasons, while Josh Caddy's loss will hurt. Finding more of a spread through the midfield will be important and it will up to Cam Guthrie, Scott Selwood, Mark Blicavs, Sam Menegola and others to provide that.

7. MELBOURNE

B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Michael Hibberd

HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Christian Salem

C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Billy Stretch

HF: Dean Kent, Sam Weideman, Christian Petracca

F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jack Watts

R: Max Gawn, Jordan Lewis, Jack Viney

I/C: Jake Melksham, Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver, Bernie Vince

Depth

Midfielders: Alex Neal-Bullen, James Harmes, Jake Spencer, Mitch King, Jack Trengove, Aaron vandenBerg, Pat McKenna, Lachlan Filipovic

Forwards: Liam Hulett, Dion Johnstone, Mitch Hannan, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Cameron Pedersen, Declan Keilty, Joel Smith, Tim Smith, Corey Maynard, Ben Kennedy

Defenders: Sam Frost, Tom Bugg, Josh Wagner, Mitch White, Colin Garland

Melbourne has arguably the best ruck/rover combination in the AFL in Max Gawn and Jack Viney and it will be a fearsome duo for opposition teams to combat for years to come. Gawn won maiden All Australian honours after leading the League in hit-outs, while Viney was unlucky not to make the All Australian squad after his best and fairest season. Nathan Jones and Dom Tyson also enjoyed stellar seasons and are consistent ball winners through the middle of the ground. The addition of four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis will add a touch of class and priceless experience to a team that is one the rise. Underneath the mainstays in the midfield are talented youngsters Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, who are ready to step up and vie for those starting positions.

Max Gawn's All Australian season highlighted an improving Melbourne midfield group. Picture: AFL Photos







8. ADELAIDE

B: Luke Brown, Kyle Hartigan, Jake Lever

HB: Rory Laird, Daniel Talia, Brodie Smith

C: Rory Atkins, Brad Crouch, Charlie Cameron

HF: Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas

F: Mitch McGovern, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch

I/C: Kyle Cheney, Riley Knight, Wayne Milera, Scott Thompson

Depth

Midfield: Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Jordan Gallucci, Dean Gore, Hugh Greenwood, Curtly Hampton, Paul Hunter, David Mackay, Reilly O'Brien, Myles Poholke, Paul Seedsman, Matt Signorello, Harrison Wigg

Forwards: Jonathan Beech, Ben Davis, Harry Dear, Ben Jarman, Troy Menzel

Defenders: Tom Doedee, Elliott Himmelberg, Alex Keath, Jake Kelly, Andy Otten

Midfield speed is Adelaide's biggest worry, and while Charlie Cameron's move from the forward line is likely to help in that area, Rory Sloane, the Crouch brothers and veteran Scott Thompson don't have a lot of pace in the legs. Around the footy the Crows look to be well covered after ranking inside the top five for contested footy, clearances and stoppages in 2016. Ruckman Sam Jacobs is one of the League's best, but the Crows' problem will be getting it away from the contest on the spread, with Cameron and Rory Atkins their only real outside runners in the best 22.

9. WEST COAST

B: Brad Sheppard, Tom Barrass, Will Schofield

HB: Sharrod Wellingham, Jeremy McGovern, Shannon Hurn

C: Lewis Jetta, Sam Mitchell, Andrew Gaff

HF: Elliott Yeo, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras

F: Jamie Cripps, Josh Kennedy, Josh Hill

Foll: Scott Lycett, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey

I/C: Dom Sheed, Sam Butler, Chris Masten, Nathan Vardy

Depth

Midfield: Liam Duggan, Jonathan Giles, Mark Hutchings, Kurt Mutimer, Nic Naitanui, Luke Partington, Jack Redden, Jordan Snadden, Daniel Venables

Forwards: Matthew Allen, Tarir Bayok (category B), Malcolm Karpany, Tom Lamb, Fraser McInnes, Drew Petrie, Willie Rioli, Simon Tunbridge, Jake Waterman

Defenders: Paddy Brophy, Tom Cole, Tom Gorter, Eric Mackenzie, Jackson Nelson, Josh Rotham, Francis Watson

The loss of Nic Naitanui is a huge factor in the Eagles' ranking of ninth, and the load resting on the shoulders of Scott Lycett, who has his own knee worries to get over next year, will be immense. Leg speed and depth in the midfield was an issue for West Coast this year, and while the shock arrival of Sam Mitchell brings obvious benefits, pace isn't one of them. Mitchell and fellow Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis are two of the best ball winners in the game, and Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff are stars, but they didn't get enough assistance last season, so Lewis Jetta needs to have a big 2017, with his pace and skill vital, especially at home.

10. ST KILDA

B: Dylan Roberton, Nathan Brown, Jarryn Geary

HB: Leigh Montagna, Jake Carlisle, Sean Dempster

C: Nick Riewoldt, David Armitage, Jack Newnes

HF: Jack Billings, Josh Bruce, Maverick Weller

F: Tim Membrey, Paddy McCartin, Jade Gresham

Foll: Tom Hickey, Seb Ross, Jack Steven

I/C: Blake Acres, Luke Dunstan, Sam Gilbert, Shane Savage

Depth

Midfield: Koby Stevens, Jack Steele, Nathan Freeman, Billy Longer, Jason Holmes, Edward Phillips, Nicholas O'Kearney

Forwards: Nathan Wright, Darren Minchington, Jack Sinclair, Jack Lonie, Josh Battle, Ben Long, Lewis Pierce, Rowan Marshall

Defenders: Jimmy Webster, Daniel McKenzie, Brandon White, Hugh Goddard, Bailey Rice, Nicholas Coughlan, Ray Connellan, Darragh Joyce

The Saints' on-ball division looks stronger with the additions of inside ball-winners Stevens and Steele, while Ross, Newnes, Dunstan and Acres should all continue to develop in 2017. Riewoldt has been a revelation up the ground and provides the Saints with a point of difference on the wing, but three-time best and fairest winner Steven's outside run makes him the club's most indispensable midfielder. Freeman could lessen the Saints' reliance on Steven if he can overcome his chronic hamstring problems. St Kilda's ruck stocks are among the deepest in the League, with Hickey and Longer both talented No.1 rucks, and Holmes and Lewis Pierce, when on loan from attack, both capable support acts.

11. HAWTHORN

B: Taylor Duryea, James Frawley, Kaiden Brand

HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne

C: Isaac Smith, Tom Mitchell, Billy Hartung

HF: Cyril Rioli, Ty Vickery, Luke Hodge

F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston

Foll: Ben McEvoy, Liam Shiels, Jaeger O'Meara

I/C: Paul Puopolo, Ryan Burton, James Sicily, Josh Gibson

Depth

Midfield: Brendan Whitecross, Will Langford, Jonathan O'Rourke, Kieran Lovell, Kade Stewart, Marc Pittonet, Dallas Willsmore, Jonathan Ceglar, Oliver Hanrahan, James Cousins

Forwards: Ryan Schoenmakers, Tim O'Brien, Blake Hardwick, Mitchell Lewis, Jack Fitzpatrick, Conor Nash

Defenders: Daniel Howe, Ricky Henderson, Kurt Heatherley, Conor Glass, Teia Miles, Harry Morrison, Luke Surman.

Perhaps the hardest midfield group to get a read on. The Hawks will be without their two leading 2016 clearance winners, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis, but have secured handy replacements in Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara. The Hawks' new Mitchell is a talented inside ball-winner who should quickly become a key player in their new-look onball brigade, while O'Meara was on track to become one of the most complete midfielders in the competition before a ruptured patella tendon sidelined him for the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Hawks are confident O'Meara can return to the field next season and they will need him to if they're to remain a top-four contender. They will also be looking for Langford to return to his 2014 form and for Lovell, Stewart and Willsmore to push for regular senior opportunities.

Hawthorn's might be the hardest midfield to assess after the loss of key components. Picture: AFL Photos





12. PORT ADELAIDE

B: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Jonas, Jasper Pittard

HB: Hamish Hartlett, Jack Hombsch, Matthew Broadbent

C: Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines, Jared Polec

HF: Chad Wingard, Justin Westhoff, Aaron Young

F: Jarman Impey, Charlie Dixon, Jackson Trengove

Foll: Patrick Ryder, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray

I/C: Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Krakouer, Sam Powell-Pepper, Matthew White

Depth

Midfield: Karl Amon, Joe Atley, Willem Drew, Billy Frampton, Sam Gray, Cameron Hewett, Dougal Howard, Emmanuel Irra, Matthew Lobbe, Peter Ladhams, Jimmy Toumpas, Will Snelling

Forwards: Brett Eddy, Dan Houston, Aidyn Johnson, Todd Marshall, Angus Monfries, Jake Neade, Jesse Palmer

Defenders: Logan Austin, Riley Bonner, Tom Clurey, Jarrod Lienert

On paper, Port Adelaide's centreline reads as strong as any in the League. Brad Ebert, Ollie Wines and Travis Boak are all contested bulls who thrive on winning the footy at the coal face and dishing it out to the team's outside runners. Robbie Gray can rightly be considered as one of the top 10 players in the AFL, while the return of Patrick Ryder is a significant boost to a team that has failed to make the finals the past two seasons. For whatever reason, this talented midfield group is yet to fully deliver on all of its promise. For Port to enjoy a renaissance, Gray and co. will need to fire consistently.

13. ESSENDON

B: Mark Baguley, Michael Hartley, Matt Dea

HB: David Myers, Michael Hurley, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti

C: Darcy Parish, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard

HF: Travis Colyer, Cale Hooker, Kyle Langford

F: David Zaharakis, Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia

Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell

I/C: Tom Bellchambers, Jayden Laverde, Brent Stanton, Andrew McGrath

Depth

Midfield: Craig Bird, Alex Morgan, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett, Dylan Clarke, Kobe Mutch, Sam Draper

Forwards: Yestin Eades, Shaun McKernan, Jackson Merrett, Mason Redman, Jake Long, Conor McKenna, Josh Green, James Stewart, Josh Begley

Defenders: James Kelly, Martin Gleeson, Aaron Francis, Mitch Brown, Patrick Ambrose, Jordan Ridley, Ben McNiece

On paper, Essendon's starting midfield stacks up favourably against most in the competition. Watson and Heppell headline the on-ballers returning from WADA suspensions. Watson turns 32 in February, but provided his heart's still in it, has good football left in him, while Heppell should be entering his peak. Zach Merrett proved himself one of the competition's best young midfielders in 2016 and should only improve next season, as should Rising Star nominee Parish. The major query over the Bombers is their depth. If any of their starting on-ballers are sidelined, they will find it hard to cover for them.

14. NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Sam Wright, Robbie Tarrant, Marley Williams

HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Luke McDonald

C: Jamie Macmillan, Jack Ziebell, Sam Gibson

HF: Shaun Higgins, Ben Brown, Mason Wood

F: Majak Daw, Jarrad Waite, Lindsay Thomas

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow

I/C: Ryan Clarke, Ben Jacobs, Trent Dumont, Nathan Hrovat

Depth

Midfield: Paul Ahern, Jed Anderson, Will Fordham, Tom Jeffries, Oscar Junker, Declan Mountford, Braydon Preuss, Josh Williams

Forwards: Sam Durdin, Taylor Garner, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Jy Simpkin, Kayne Turner, Corey Wagner, Cameron Zurhaar

Defenders: Lachlan Hansen, Mitch Hibberd, Aaron Mullett, Daniel Nielson, Matthew Taylor, Ed Vickers-Willis, Declan Watson

In Goldstein, Ziebell, Cunnington and Swallow, the Roos have a strong starting centre bounce combination, with all four outstanding clearance players. North has, however, lacked outside class in recent years and that deficiency will be exacerbated in 2017 by the departures of Daniel Wells, Brent Harvey and Nick Dal Santo. The Roos will be hoping Clarke can take some of the outside load off Gibson, while Mountford is also an elite runner who should push for his debut. Jacobs is one of the AFL's best run-with midfielders, so the Roos will be hoping he can overcome the foot problems that ruined his 2016 season.

15. RICHMOND

B: Kamdyn McIntosh, Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes

HB: Bachar Houli, David Astbury, Nick Vlastuin

C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis

HF: Josh Caddy, Jack Riewoldt, Shane Edwards

F: Daniel Rioli, Ben Griffiths, Sam Lloyd

Foll: Shaun Hampson, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia

I/C: Anthony Miles, Corey Ellis, Connor Menadue, Jayden Short

Depth

Midfield: Reece Conca, Kane Lambert, Toby Nankervis, Jack Graham, Taylor Hunt, Ivan Maric, Jacob Townsend, Ivan Soldo

Forwards: Ben Lennon, Shai Bolton, Daniel Butler, Mabior Chol, Callum Moore, Tyson Stengle

Defenders: Jake Batchelor, Oleg Markov, Steven Morris, Nathan Broad, Nathan Drummond, Todd Elton, Ryan Garthwaite, Jason Castagna

The off-season arrivals of Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy have been widely lauded, but a substantial question mark remains over the overall depth of the Tigers' midfield. Yes, Dustin Martin is a game changer when he steps into the centre square, but many believe he plays his best footy forward of centre. Trent Cotchin is a good accumulator of the footy, but he needs more support from Anthony Miles et al. The club's ruck stocks don't inspire a lot of confidence, although the Tigers hope Toby Nankervis can step up and claim the No.1 ruck spot. Nor does the club's midfield depth, which is poor.

Dustin Martin was a standout in the Richmond midfield last season. Picture: AFL Photos





16. GOLD COAST

B: Trent McKenzie, Steven May, Adam Saad

HB: Kade Kolodjashnij Rory Thompson, Jarrod Harbrow

C: Pearce Hanley, Touk Miller, Alex Sexton

HF: Ben Ainsworth, Tom Lynch, Jack Martin

F: Callum Ah Chee, Peter Wright, Sam Day

Foll: Jarrod Witts, Gary Ablett, David Swallow

I/C: Jarryd Lyons, Jack Bowes, Aaron Hall, Jesse Lonergan

Depth

Midfield: Michael Barlow, Michael Rischitelli, Matt Rosa, Brayden Fiorini, Mitch Hallahan, Daniel Currie, Tom Nicholls, Matt Shaw, Mackenzie Willis, Josh Schoenfeld, Will Brodie, Brad Scheer

Forwards: Jarrad Grant, Brandon Matera, Ryan Davis, Darcy Macpherson, Cameron Loersch

Defenders: Jack Leslie, Sean Lemmens, Jesse Joyce, Jack Scrimshaw, Keegan Brooksby, Max Spencer

The Suns' midfield has been hit hard by the loss of Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia and Harley Bennell over the past two years, so the ability of its classiest two midfielders, Ablett and Swallow, to put poor injury runs behind them will be vital to their 2017 finals chances. The Suns bolstered their midfield for future years with the acquisition of Bowes and Brodie in November's NAB AFL Draft, but recycled recruits Witts, Lyons and Barlow are better placed to have an impact next season. And if former Brisbane Lion Pearce Hanley can recapture his best form, the Suns' run and carry will have a more dangerous edge.

17.CARLTON

B: Simon White, Sam Rowe, Lachie Plowman

HB: Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering, Sam Docherty

C: Dale Thomas, Bryce Gibbs, Sam Kerridge

HF: Jack Silvagni, Harry McKay, Matthew Wright

F: Charlie Curnow, Levi Casboult, Dennis Armfield

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy

I/C: Ed Curnow, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Andrew Phillips, Caleb Marchbank

Depth

Midfield: Blaine Boekhorst, David Cuningham, Zac Fisher, Daniel Gorringe, Nick Graham, Matt Korcheck, Rhys Palmer, Cameron Polson, Tom Williamson

Forwards: Andrew Gallucci, Liam Jones, Jed Lamb, Kym Lebois, Harrison Macreadie, Jarrod Pickett, Pat Kerr, Liam Sumner

Defenders: Dylan Buckley, Ciaran Byrne, Jesse Glass-McCasker, Kristian Jaksch, Ciaran Sheehan, Alex Silvagni, Billie Smedts.

The Blues' starting centre bounce quartet of Kreuzer, Cripps, Gibbs and Murphy is elite, but things fall away dramatically from there. Petrevski-Seton shapes as a future star but the Blues won't put unrealistic demands on him in his first season, while second-year speedster Cuningham is understandably still finding his feet at AFL level. Former Giant and Docker Palmer will add much-needed depth, while the Blues will also be relying on Thomas staying on the park and producing, and on Kerridge replicating his strong first season at Ikon Park. Former Giant Phillips also enjoyed a good first year at Carlton and should continue to have an impact in the ruck and attack.

18. BRISBANE LIONS

B: Darcy Gardiner, Jack Frost, Ryan Harwood

HB: Tom Cutler, Harris Andrews, Claye Beams

C: Rohan Bewick, Dayne Beams, Tom Bell

HF: Allen Christensen, Dan McStay, Sam Mayes

F: Lewy Taylor, Josh Schache, Eric Hipwood

Foll: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Dayne Zorko

I/C: Daniel Rich, Mitch Robinson, Rhys Mathieson, Hugh McCluggage

Depth

Midfield: Ben Keays, Ryan Bastinac, Jarrad Jansen, Nick Robertson, Josh Clayton, Ryan Lester, Jarrod Berry, Cedric Cox, Jacob Allison, Archie Smith, Corey Lyons, Cian Hanley, Blake Grewar, Matt Eagles, Jake Barrett, Oscar McInerney

Forwards: Josh Walker, Michael Close, Jono Freeman

Defenders: Marco Paparone, Liam Dawson, Sam Skinner, Alex Witherden, Matthew Hammelmann, Reuben William, Mitchell Hinge

Although Dayne Zorko is bordering on being an elite player, the team's support cast is particularly shallow and it has shown up in the team's results in past seasons. Tom Rockliff wins piles of the ball but how damaging he is with those possessions continues to be queried and he was almost traded at the end of last season. Dayne Beams is a gun when up and going but has had injury issues in recent seasons, which has limited his impact. Top draftee Hugh McCluggage fits their needs as a classy player and looks likely to play straight away, but it will take at least three seasons for him Jarrod Berry, Cedric Cox and Jacob Allison to develop properly. New coach Chris Fagan will be have to be patient as he leads the club through a sizeable rebuild.

Dayne Zorko is bordering on the elite in a scratchy Lions midfield. Picture: AFL Photos

