There have been a number of changes to Zero Hanger's Recruit of the Year Power Rankings after Round 2 of the AFL season, with the impact of the off-season trade period apparent for a number of premiership contenders.
One Hawk's performance has seen him leap into the lead, while a Saint has produced another superstar performance in the midfield to assert himself onto the podium.
So, 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 Round 2 giving us plenty to consider.
Selection criteria: Only players who were on an AFL playing list at a different club in the prior season will be considered as recruits in these rankings.
4. Bailey Smith (-3)
Despite not playing in Round 2, Bailey Smith's impact on Geelong is still recognisable.
Geelong's midfield was completely outclassed by St Kilda on Saturday night without him and looked nothing like their ambitious selves that competed strongly with an elite Dockers group the week prior.
The Cats sorely missed Smith's efforts around the stoppage, where he won a game-high six clearances from stoppage in Round 1. Without him, they lost this statistic by eight, 31-23.
His impact by foot was also needed, as until the final quarter, the Cats struggled mightily to hit targets, forcing them to play a lot of contested footy, ultimately finishing the game with just 174 uncontested possessions, the lowest from a team this season.
With Brisbane on the cards, Geelong fans will be eager to see him return, as the Lions rank fourth in the AFL for stoppage clearances.
Dangerfield should not have the burden to carry the Cats midfield anymore, and while there's a lot of pressure on the Cats' youth to step up from here on out, Smith's ability to ease that burden with his skillset is undeniable.
