Looking back on the closest round of football since 1970, it is clear many difference makers in the thrillers were off-season recruits, some players playing pivotal roles in clutch moments.
A Cat has returned to the pinnacle after another staggering display, while a Kangaroos veteran is rising up the ranks as North Melbourne secured a draw with the reigning premiers.
Who's making the most impact in their new colours? Welcome to the weekly ranking of the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, with Round 9 giving us plenty to consider.
5. Josh Battle (-)
Hawthorn have held their opponents to 65 points or fewer for the fourth time this season as Josh Battle was once again elite, working in tandem with the rest of the Hawks' back six for a perfect afternoon against Melbourne.
Battle's five spoils ensured the Dees' key forward issues continued, with Jacob van Rooyen failing to produce more than one shot at goal. Battle was also quick to generate an attack, spurring three inside 50s from his 15 disposals. Only Adelaide's Mark Keane, Melbourne's Steven May and West Coast's Jeremy McGovern average more rebound 50s per game as a key defender (minimum five games played).
There's a tall task ahead of the Hawks and Battle, taking on the Suns in Darwin, where the likes of Ben King and Ben Long have been firing on all cylinders. With how Battle's been playing, however, Hawthorn will be backing themselves in to break Gold Coast's streak in the NT.
