Gold Coast defender, Bulldogs midfielder jumps up as Crows forward returns: Recruit of the Year Power Rankings – Round 21 - AFL News - Zero Hanger

A lot of movement happened in the rankings this week, which sees Bulldogs recruit jump up and the star Docker slide. Crows forward replaces his teammate with his strong, consistent performances, as the Gold Coast defender jumps into the top three. Who's making the most impact in their new colours? Welcome to the weekly rankings of the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, with Round 21 giving us plenty to consider. Luke Parker (-1) Parker has been a great player for North Melbourne all season, but due to some inconsistency, he sees himself sliding in our rankings to eighth spot. The hybrid midfielder wasn't a standout on the weekend in their loss to the Saints. Parker was still able to get 17 touches at an 88% efficiency rate with his five score involvements and four clearances. Parker needs to have a strong run home, or he may drop out of our rankings in the coming weeks. Alex Neal-Bullen (New) After a strong few weeks, the former Melbourne forward has leapfrogged back into the rankings after his performance in his side's win against Hawthorn. Neal-Bullen was among the Crows' best as he delivered with 18 disposals, one goal, nine score involvements, 23 pressure acts and five tackles. The pressure forward showed his worth in the big fourth quarter as his experience propelled Adelaide to the win. Jake Stringer (-1) Due to a poor week by Stringer and his Giants, he has now slipped down a spot in the rankings. In his team's 88-point loss, the forward didn't get many opportunities to impact the game, as he only had one goal and eight disposals. Stringer will look to respond next week against the Kangaroos, as it is a must-win for his side. Jack Macrae (+1) The former Bulldog is back in fifth spot with another solid performance in a win against North Melbourne. Macrae logged in 22 touches at 82% efficiency, 12 contested possessions and six clearances, with the contested possessions and clearances being second best for his side. The inside midfielder has been consistent all year for Saint Kilda, as he has been among their best ball winners throughout the season. Shai Bolton (-2) Fremantle's star recruit has dropped a few spots due to a very poor performance in round 21. Bolton didn't have much impact on his side's 27-point win against Carlton, as he recorded 16 disposals with a poor efficiency, but he was still able to deliver nine contested possessions with his four score involvements. The Dockers' forward has been inconsistent all year, which is the reason for his movement up and down the rankings. John Noble (+1) The Sun's defender was among their best once again, as he was crucial in their ball movement in an 84-point win. Noble has been Gold Coast's main ball distributor all year, and there was no difference this week as he gathered 30 disposals (23 kicks) at an 83% efficiency rate, with seven score involvements and a game-high 723 meters gained. The former pie has delivered his best season of his career thus far, as he looks to continue his great form heading into September. Matthew Kennedy (+1) The Bulldogs recruit jumps back into second place after continuing to be among his side's best in their massive 88-point win against the Giants. Kennedy was once again perfect in his midfield-forward role with his 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven score involvements, and five clearances, with it all being topped off with a goal. The former Blue has been one of the better recruits all year, and he will play an important role for the Dogs as they push for a finals spot. Bailey Smith (-) By no surprise, the star midfielder keeps his spot at the top in another solid performance for Geelong as they win by 88 points. Smith was second in the Cats' top ball winners as he racked up 30 disposals with 13 contested possessions, 10 score involvements, eight clearances, seven tackles and 546 meters gained. The star recruit continues his stellar season, as it looks like he is solidifying himself as the top recruit for the season.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Gold Coast defender, Bulldogs midfielder jumps up as Crows forward returns: Recruit of the Year Power Rankings – Round 21

See which recruits are having the most impact at their new clubs after Round 21 👇

5Jack Macrae (+1)

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