Round 3 of the AFL season has continued to prove the importance of the free agency and trade periods, as several off-season recruits have continued to stand out as major game breakers for their respective new teams.
As St Kilda continue to win, their newest midfield hero emerges as the competition's best recruit thus far, while two new names crack into the top eight after stellar performances over the weekend's action.
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 3 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. Josh Battle (-3)
In one of the windiest games seen in quite some time, Josh Battle stood up to the challenge, Hawthorn emerging as the team to beat after winning their fourth straight game.
The game was ultimately won in the third quarter for Hawthorn, as they won the term going against the strong breeze that both sides capitalised on in the first half. Of course, it wasn't just Battle doing the hard yards down back, Josh Weddle and other defensive recruit Tom Barrass also impressing in preventing the Giants' surges, but Battle's five marks and efficiency off half back enabled the Hawks to outscore GWS 26-13 in the third term, which was the ultimate difference maker in the end.
With three score involvements and a handful of rebound 50s, Battle has done enough to feature in the power rankings again, despite slipping out of pole position.
