Several recruits starred over the long Easter weekend as footy fans were treated to several thrilling contests.
A Fremantle forward has jumped up into the top four as his scoreboard impact continues to mount, while the Bulldogs' dominant win over St Kilda sees their star recruit leapfrog a Saints midfield acquisition.
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 6 giving us plenty to consider.
7. Alex Neal-Bullen (NEW)
Neal-Bullen's impact has been somewhat streaky to begin 2025, but the Crows recruit was as visible as ever in the wet against the Giants on Saturday.
Neal-Bullen's prized goal from a defensive midfield turnover as three-quarter time approached provided the Crows with the momentum to put away the Giants for good, the Crows getting some much-needed breathing room in a low-scoring scrap. But everywhere else on the ground, Neal-Bullen was brilliant, collecting a near-season-high 20 disposals and using the ball at an elite efficiency rate of 85% despite the conditions. Defensively, he must be lauded too, leading the game in pressure acts with 24, eight being in the defensive half. In fact, he leads the Crows in pressure acts this season, with an average of 20.8 per game.
The Crows have a tough fixture against Fremantle next week on the road, but if Neal-Bullen can consistently produce two-way performances for the club, with goals and defensive intensity like was seen against GWS, there's every chance they solidify themselves as a top-four threat.
