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.
1. Matthew Kennedy (-)
The Western Bulldogs have raucously stamped their claim as one of the league's premiership favourites after brutally thumping Port Adelaide in Ballarat on Saturday. Kennedy's impact on the Bulldogs' rise was felt once again, his 26 disposals and team-high 13 contested possessions a difference maker as the Dogs' midfield overran a timid Power midfield.
Kennedy was a hound at the drop of the ball, winning 11 clearances and seven ground balls - including three inside 50 - in addition to those 13 contested possessions. The Bulldogs scored eight goals from their 10 forward 50 stoppage clearances, Kennedy directly assisting on one of those goals.
But the Dogs' centre clearance dominance was also a difference maker. While Kennedy has been forced out of the middle since Bontempelli's return from injury, attending just 65% of centre bounces the last three weeks, he has dominated when there, recording a season-high four centre clearances against Port Adelaide and laying eight tackles.
The Bulldogs depth has been a staggering revelation for the club in 2025 considering their injury hits and losing two players who rank second and third in these power rankings. Now, in large thanks to Matthew Kennedy, they've managed to not just tread water but ascend back into the premiership conversation.
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