Gather Round provided footy fans with several classics, the impact of star off-season additions as apparent as ever.
A key Geelong midfielder has re-established himself as the top-ranked recruit, while the Gold Coast and Bulldogs see their star pickups continue to rise.
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 Gather Round giving us plenty to consider.
5. Tom Barrass (NEW)
After falling out of the power rankings due to the Hawks' early season bye, Tom Barrass has soared back onto the list with a crucial role in Hawthorn's second-half surge against Port Adelaide on Sunday night. Yes, the Hawks were utterly outclassed and outplayed for the majority of the match, a fired-up Power squad torching Hawthorn in an outstanding first half, but as the tables began to turn in the fourth quarter, Barrass was instrumental.
Hawthorn generated over 40% of its scores from the defensive half, Barrass only trailing teammate Karl Amon for rebound 50s with five. In marking contests, Barrass was as sound as it gets, winning all four contested defensive one-on-ones in addition to his three spoils. Only Amon could say he used the ball more effectively than Barrass last night, too, for a Hawk, Barrass finishing the game with ten effective kicks.
While the comeback was improbable, Hawthorn certainly gave the Power a bit of a scare and it was the clamps of Barrass in the backline that gave the Hawks the opportunity to do so. Considering Barrass' role in shutting down many other key forwards already this season, most notably his role on Charlie Curnow in Round 2, his return to the power rankings is justified.
