AFL DRAFT classes are often judged on their midfield stocks. While 2023’s stocks don’t look entirely rich, recruiters looking for on-ball depth will be strategising whether they can extract value this year, or perhaps even dip shift tact towards next year’s intake.

Having already analysed the top tall talent from the 2005-born cohort, we place some of the most promising midfielders into categories to help get a better understanding of where things sit. This list narrows in on prospects nearing the top 30 range.

>> Tall talent time: 2023’s key position stocks

TOP OF THE TREE

You probably saw this one coming. Harley Reid has long been regarded as the best prospect in this year’s draft, and it just so happens he can play midfield – among nearly every other position. The powerful contested ball winner dishes out fend-offs for fun and can turn games with his ability to impact in each third. He’ll likely only be available to wooden spoon favourite West Coast, or the small list of clubs in a strong enough position to trade into pick one.

THE ELITE

Aside from Reid, there are two players who have set themselves apart as the best pure midfielders available. They’re both Tasmanian and have grown to know each other well throughout the talent pathway – Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders.

McKercher quickly played himself into top five contention with outrageously consistent form in the Talent League, which he carried on into the National Championships. Seldom does he fall under 30 disposals, and makes his touches count with a sharp step and precise left-foot kicking.

Sanders took out the Larke Medal this year and has been similarly dominant in the Talent League, school football scene, and National Championships. He has arguably less flair than McKercher but does few things wrong and has added many strings to his bow this year, accelerating into the top 10 frame.

>> Midfield madness: 2024’s on-ball bonanza

HYBRIDS

The hybrid midfielder has become an increasingly popular prototype in recent years, with clubs looking for versatility, dynamism, and points of difference when rating on-ball talent. There are a few players who fit that mould, though Zane Duursma looks the best of the bunch – along with Reid.

Arguably a more natural forward, the Gippsland Power product is a one-touch player with fantastic athletic upside and the ability to impact aerially at 189cm. He also has a happy knack for winning breakaway clearances and offers more than pure pinch-hit potential at centre bounces.

Elsewhere, the likes of Daniel Curtin and Nate Caddy are taller talents who have been afforded midfield exposure. Although, both will likely be better utilised in their more natural positions at either end of the ground respectively.

That leaves a couple of West Australians. The jury is out on whether Koltyn Tholstrup has genuine midfield potential, but he has had stints of senior footy there this year. Koen Sanchez can play on either side of midfield too, but has more recently been made to ply his trade as a small forward.

OUTSIDE MIDFIELDERS

Murray Bushrangers gun Darcy Wilson is considered the top outside midfielder this year, but has more often been utilised as a rotating midfielder-forward. His slender frame, running ability, and classy ball use all point towards him being an effective wingman nonetheless.

There may be a bit of a battle outside of that. Wilson’s Vic Country teammate Joel Freijah has the wing role down pat and had climbed into top 20 calculations after a hot start to the year. Those talks have cooled a touch lately, though his hybrid-like versatility points towards ample upside.

Eastern Ranges speedster Caleb Windsor may well have overtaken Freijah after the National Championships. He runs hard all day and loves taking the game on, with his talent potentially enough to see him climb into top 20 discussions with a strong end to the year.

CLUB-TIED

It is no secret that some of the best talent in 2023 will not be available to all clubs. Gold Coast has access to three top 15 prospects, with one of them being Jake Rogers. The diminutive midfielder is incredibly well-rounded with clean skills, smarts, speed, and a defensive appetite.

Clubs have marked his Suns Academy teammate Will Graham as gettable, though Gold Coast would more than likely look to keep him if possible. He’s a powerful type with clean hands and competitiveness, which translated well to a defensive role with the Allies. Top 30 potential.

A little further down the order, Sydney will have to consider Caiden Cleary, who has been the Swans Academy’s standout. He was part of the Allies midfield which batted ridiculously deep, thriving on the inside with his two-way effort and strong contested ball winning acumen.

It is also worth noting that Sanders could end up in the club-tied category. North Melbourne has worked hard to secure his status as a Next Generation Academy member, which wouldn’t mean much with a top 10 bid, but the Roos will also look to gain special dispensation to pre-list the Tasmanian.

AVAILABLE

Not all clubs have the luxury of top 10 picks, so may look to nab some of the following prospects in the late first round or second range range. Dandenong Stingrays co-captains Harry De Mattia and Cooper Simpson both have enough quality to crack the top 20, but will have to prove it in the coming weeks.

Both will be well aware of what George Stevens can do, having seen it first hand in the Talent League and National Championships. The big bodied ball winner has an intriguingly wide draft range but could be a high value and readymade option in the second round.

>> The great dividers: Draft prospects splitting recruiters

West Australian Clay Hall is another who has done his draft stocks no harm this year. He took little time to make the step up to senior football with Peel Thunder and worked into the season nicely with good form for his state. Hall’s blend of size, running ability, and foot skills should attract suitors.

Perhaps conversely, the likes of Will Lorenz, Kane McAuliffe, and Will Brown were quite highly regarded coming into the year, but have progressively fallen away from genuine top 30 talks. Though, anything can happen with strong form in the back-end of the year.