The superstar recruits of the 2025 season all produced performances to remember in Round 8, with three midfielders proving to be difference makers for their new clubs.
A Saints midfielder has climbed the Power Rankings after a career night, while the top two have cemented themselves in place for the time being after two high-impact matches that led their teams to victory.
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 8 giving us plenty to consider.
3. Jack Macrae (+2)
Jack Macrae returned to the form we saw in his first month of 2025 as the Saints utterly rocked the Dockers. Macrae was instrumental in the win and will almost certainly poll three votes in the Brownlow count, collecting 38 disposals and winning an absurd 14 clearances - a career-high effort. His 25 contested possessions were also a career-high, a feat he hasn't achieved since Round 9, 2018.
The Dockers simply had no answer for the former Bulldog in the middle as he demonstrably controlled the game from the onset, involved in ten scores, taking six marks and laying eight tackles.
The Saints' form had been rocky until this weekend, so it's become apparent that Macrae's influence is vital to their success. If he's locked down, St Kilda significantly struggle to win the contest battle, highlighting the importance of his offseason recruitment for their Finals' hopes.
