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.
1. Josh Battle (+7)
Hawthorn's defence stands out in their three gritty wins to begin the season - and it's had to.
The Hawks have struggled in the middle in their past two games, losing the clearance battle by an average of 15.5 in those matches. This has meant their backline has been crucial in not just preventing scores, but also generating attacks out of the back half.
No player has been better at that than Josh Battle.
Last week, Battle generated 10 rebound 50s and delivered another five against Carlton on Thursday night. However, in addition to those, he also created four inside 50s and had four score involvements.
He has pronounced himself as one of the best kicks in the competition; 18 of his 21 disposals on Thursday were effective. His Round 2 performance was also his best in air-combat, with a season-high six spoils to go along with five marks while holding Carlton spearhead and 2023 Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow to just five disposals and zero shots at goal. It was a complete effort that has been rightfully lauded by fans and media alike.
The Hawks have some areas to work on if they're truly going to set themselves apart from other premiership contenders, but their backline has done wonders in securing all 12 available premiership points so far.
Battle's efforts in that mix cannot fly under the radar any longer.
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