AFL.com.au's writers have looked towards 2016 and tried to predict the strength of each team's midfield next season, eventually arriving at a list from No.1 (the best) to No.18.

In compiling their rankings, they relied on Champion Data statistics for 2015 on centre clearances, around-the-ground clearances, overall clearances, scores from clearances, hit-outs to advantage and midfield pressure acts.

All statistics were based on a team's differentials against its opponents rather than overall tallies.

They also analysed the quality of players in each team's midfield rotations, taking into account the number of A-grade talents and the potential A-listers.

They classified players such as Robbie Gray, Dustin Martin, Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne as midfielders, but appreciate Gray, Martin and Rioli could just as easily be classified as forwards and Burgoyne as a defender.

On the other hand, Brett Deledio was classified as a forward given he now spends the majority of his time in attack.

So, here's who AFL.com.au's Nat Edwards sees ruling our midfield roost next season: 

Brisbane Lions

Midfield rank: 13

Best starting midfield:

C: Daniel Rich, Dayne Beams, Dayne Zorko

Foll: Stefan Martin, Tom Rockliff, Ryan Bastinac

Depth players:

Mitch Robinson, Allen Christensen, Tom Bell, Sam Mayes, Claye Beams, Lewy Taylor, Nick Robertson, Ryan Lester, Jarrad Jansen, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson, Cian Hanley*, Billy Evans*, Trent West, Archie Smith*

The Lions' starting midfield is strong with Dayne Beams, Rockliff and ruckman Martin all A-graders, but it falls away from there. They were in the bottom half of the competition for clearances (11th) and scores from clearances (13th) last season, something recruits Bastinac and Bell should help address in 2016, while draftees Keays and Mathieson are both highly promising ball-winners. The Lions did well in October's trade period to cover the loss of Jack Redden (West Coast) and James Aish (Collingwood). – NE