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.
1. Bailey Smith (+1)
The Cats comeback victory over Adelaide was a masterclass delivered by their three big name recruits of the past decade. Patrick Dangerfield was a wrecking ball up forward, Jeremy Cameron returned to form and of course, Bailey Smith won the football better than anyone else on the field.
The numbers speak for themselves. 35 disposals, 17 contested, to go with six clearances and nine score involvements demonstrate Smith's elite ball-winning nature, as he willed Geelong back from the depths after falling 30 points behind a brilliant Crows attack.
Many wondered what kind of player Geelong would be getting after Smith missed close to two years from football, questioning whether an ACL injury would hinder his explosive, tenacious style. It simply hasn't.
The Cats have recruited someone better than imagined. A first All-Australian blazer is calling Smith's name.
