THERE has been a shift happening in AFL midfields this season that may go unnoticed week to week but will be clear for all to see when the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian squad is announced.
Through a combination of injury, form and the passage of time, the game's best on-ballers have been handing the baton to a young, hungry brigade of emerging stars who have come of age in 2016.
This year's 40-man All Australian squad – and potentially the final 22 – will be full of them.
AFL.com.au picked the midfielders most likely to contend for their first All Australian selections when the 40-man squad is announced later this month.
The final 22 will be named at a function in Melbourne on September 1.
Click here to pick your Virgin Australia 2016 AFL All Australian team for your chance to win
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
Started the season as a forward due to circumstances, but has been immense since moving into the midfield and averaged 26.6 possessions since round seven. Stood in as captain and sits third in AFL Coaches' Association Award voting.
Verdict: Lock him in
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
Carlton's club champion last season, Cripps is on track for more honours after an outstanding 2016 season that has him leading the AFL in clearances with 8.8 a game. In a struggling team, the 21-year-old's leadership has come to fore.
Verdict: 40-man squad
Dustin Martin (Richmond)
Has enjoyed an outstanding season as a permanent midfielder, despite his team's misfortunes and a lack of support. Ranked equal-fourth in the League for average possessions (31.0) and eighth for inside 50s (5.0).
Verdict: Lock him in
Zach Merrett (Essendon)
A brilliant third season, Merrett has been the Bombers' best midfielder most weeks and stood in as captain in round 21 and 22. Averaged 29.7 possessions and ranked No.6 for uncontested possessions (19.8).
Verdict: 40-man squad
Lachie Neale (Fremantle)
A prolific ball-winner, Neale was won 40 possessions or more five times this season in one of the bottom-three teams. He has averaged 33.4 disposals (No.1 in the AFL) and become a leading clearance (7.2) and contested possession player (33.4).
Verdict: Lock him in
Luke Parker (Sydney Swans)
A surprise omission in 2014, Parker was a club champion in a Grand Final team that year and has produced excellent seasons for three years running. Patrick Dangerfield aside, he is the best goalkicker (20) among the League's top 20 ball-winners.
Verdict: Lock him in
Dylan Shiel (Greater Western Sydney)
Was on track for All Australian selection last year before suffering a knee injury, but has played all but one game this season. Super consistent, he has not had fewer than 20 possessions once, averaging 28.1 touches and 5.4 clearances.
Verdict: 40-man squad
Luke Shuey (West Coast)
The midfielder's season has been building and reached a high point against GWS in round 21 when he helped win the match with an immense fourth quarter. Averaging career-high disposals (25.6), clearances (6.62) and tackles (6.43).
Verdict: 40-man squad
Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
The Crows' heart and soul midfielder has lived in Patrick Dangerfield's shadow and never been selected in the 40-man squad. Was among the top-four Brownlow Medal chances before his round 22 suspension.
Verdict: Lock him in
Jack Steven (St Kilda)
Gaining more recognition for his brilliant combination of inside and outside play, he has led the Saints for disposals (27.8), clearances (5.3) tackles (5.8) and contested possessions (11.1).
Verdict: 40-man squad
Adam Treloar (Collingwood)
The former GWS midfielder has been a star in his first season at Collingwood, igniting the midfield and averaging 30.3 disposals (ranked No.6 in the AFL). Also ranked No.6 for overall tackles.
Verdict: 40-man squad
