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.
1. Bailey Smith (+1)
Geelong played in another thrilling contest on Sunday but have come out on the loser's end this time around. Despite that, Bailey Smith has firmly established himself as the recruit of the year thus far and will undoubtedly now be in conversations for the All-Australian side.
35, 34, 29, 28, 35. Those are the disposal counts for Smith in his last five games. His rise to superstardom is truly unprecedented considering the severity of his injury that had ruled him out of AFL action for over a year.
No one even comes close to Smith in terms of metres gained per game either, averaging 655.8. Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson ranks second, averaging 534.2 metres gained per game. That is an astonishing gap that truly highlights Smith's dominance when the footy is at his disposal.
The irregularity in his efficiency doesn't even matter when he's giving Geelong every chance to go forward by hitting the contest hard and winning it consistently. It's wild to think that he was pushed out of the Bulldogs' midfield before his injury when there was all of this untapped potential.
Ultimately, Geelong brings out the best in Smith and Smith brings out the best in Geelong. While another loss to GWS at home will sting for a while, they have every chance to rebound against Port Adelaide with him in the lineup. It's a feisty clash of two titanic midfields brewing, but Smith's capabilities will certainly give Geelong every chance to come home with four premiership points.
