The top two recruits of the year thus far went head to head in Round 11, as two former Saints made names for themselves in blockbuster Saturday clashes.
A Crow continues to make his rise up the Power Rankings too after a weekend to remember, while a Docker forward drops slightly after a mediocre performance in the wet, relative to his standards.
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 11 giving us plenty to consider.
5. Josh Battle (+1)
While the Hawks' midfield struggled massively, losing the clearance count by 17 to Brisbane's premiership stars, their defence limited what could have been a much bigger loss. Josh Battle was crucial in keeping Hawthorn in the game for the majority of three quarters, including preventing what seemed to be a surefire goal in the goal square with a clean intercept and kick down the wing, generating a Hawthorn counter-attack.
Battle hounded the Lions forwards all afternoon, his pressure superb. He'd finish this game with three spoils and eight intercept possessions, using the ball well once in his possession, with 22 of his 23 disposals being effective.
A clash with the Magpies is ahead that may decide the trajectory of Hawthorn's season, so Battle's influence on limiting their star key forwards will be significant in bouncing back in a big way.
