GWS forward continues to rise, as Crows midfielder sees himself return: Recruit of the Year Power Rankings

A Crows midfielder is back in the rankings after a few consistent weeks is topped off with another great performance. A GWS forward continues his strong form of goal-kicking, with Dockers star rising back up in his stellar performance. 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 20 giving us plenty to consider. James Peatling (NEW) The Crows midfielder jumps back into the rankings, as he was among his side's best in their 98-point showdown win. Peatling was great once again in his second showdown appearance as he got 26 disposals, one goal, six tackles, 14 contested possessions, seven score involvements, and nine clearances. The former Giant continues to play a key role under Matthew Nicks in Adelaide's huge season as they push for top spot. Peatling is becoming a great inside midfielder and is starting to prove his worth, whether it is matching up on the opposing team's best player or just being among Adelaide's best each week. Luke Parker (-) The veteran continues to be a strong force for the Kangaroos, as he has yet another good performance, even in his side's big loss. Parker kept fighting throughout the game as he was among North Melbourne's top ball winners, gaining 31 touches along with his five tackles, 15 contested possessions, six score involvements, seven clearances and 498 meters gained. The midfielder didn't have a very efficient game; he had 12 turnovers and went at a disposal efficiency rate of 52%. The 32-year-old continues to be a leader on and off the field for the Kangaroos. Jack Macrae (-1) The Saint Kilda midfielder keeps performing on a consistent level, even though he sees himself slipping in the rankings. Macrae was once again among the Saints' top disposal leaders, as he picked up 24 touches at a 79% efficiency rate along with six score involvements, five clearances and six tackles. The 30-year-old has been crucial under Ross Lyon in a bounce-back season, and he only sees himself dropping in the rankings due to others performing at a high level. Jake Stringer (+1) The Giants forward continues to rise in the rankings, as he demonstrated his worth in their huge comeback win. Stringer kicked a team-high three goals to go along with his 13 disposals, six score involvements and three marks. The star recruit was most important in the Giants' huge third quarter as he booted two of their nine goals to dismantle the Swans. Stringer has moved up to spot five just after his first appearance in the rankings in round 18. John Noble (-) Noble and the Suns bounced back big time in one of their biggest wins of the season against their Q clash rivals, the Brisbane Lions. The Gold Coast defender once again was crucial in his team's ball movement from the backline as he accumulated 31 disposals, seven intercepts, five score involvements and 546 meters gained. Noble will need to continue being pivotal in the Sun's push for their first finals appearance, especially with his running mate, Daniel Rioli, set to miss a few weeks. Matthew Kennedy (-1) Kennedy did no wrong again in the Dogs' 93-point win against the Bombers. The 28-year-old was solid once again, recording 23 disposals, nine tackles, five score involvements, and three clearances. The Dogs midfielder remains consistent under Luke Beveridge, as he continues to make his case to be one of the better recruits of the season. Shai Bolton (+1) The star Docker jumps back into second place after another stellar performance in his side's Derby win. Bolton was among Fremantle's best as he recorded 25 disposals, one goal, 10 contested possessions and 13 score involvements in a 50-point win. He proved his worth in his side's crucial third quarter as he had a team-high 11 touches and 6 score involvements. The former tiger can have his down weeks, but he is proving to be a major X factor for Fremantle. Bailey Smith (-) After a couple of down weeks, Smith got back to his best form in his side's 101-point victory against the Kangaroos. The star cat reached a career high of 43 touches while also adding one goal, 13 clearances, eight score involvements, 655 meters gained and 23 contested possessions. If not for Jeremy Cameron's 11 goals, Smith would've gained another three-vote game, but this performance makes his case even stronger for his first All-Australian appearance. After being low on form, Smith looks to hit his stride over the last four games heading into a crucial September push.

		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

GWS forward continues to rise, as Crows midfielder sees himself return: Recruit of the Year Power Rankings – Round 20

See which recruits are having the most impact at their new clubs after Round 20 👇

5Jake Stringer (+1)

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Latest News

Every AFL team’s 2025 list ranked 1-18

“An outstanding signing”: Ex-Sun makes club switch for 2026

“Over the moon”: Local club lands services of cut Carlton midfielder

Former Collingwood list manager, AFL staffer joins Victorian club in newly...

The one thing on your AFL team’s wish list this Christmas

FOLLOW US