The Crows' off-season period is paying dividends after they thumped Sydney in Round 12, with their two notable recruits both entering the Power Rankings for the first time.
A Docker is creeping back up the rankings while an All-Australian performance out west has solidified a star Cat's stranglehold on first place.
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 12 giving us plenty to consider.
8. Liam Baker (NEW)
The West Coast Eagles took it up to the Cats for the best part of three and a half quarters on Sunday night, getting within as little as five points against one of the league's premiership favourites.
At the helm of that performance was Liam Baker, whose defensive pressure and elite foot skills served as a major factor in the Eagles counter attack. He led the match in defensive half pressure acts with 15 and laid a crucial tackle inside the defensive 50 in the third quarter, winning the free kick and rallying some serious momentum for the Eagles entering the final quarter. From his team-high 29 disposals, he registered four score involvements, which included a score launch from a rebound 50 and a direct goal assist.
The poise of Liam Baker is certainly something the Eagles can get used to on a consistent basis. His premiership experience has been vital in elevating this side in close matches, leading the team in contested possessions and disposals. While the hunt for a second win of the season remains, West Coast are finally building something out of this campaign with Baker emerging as a critical piece for the club.
