The home-and-away season has concluded for 2025, and with it comes the confirmation of Zero Hanger's top recruit of the year.
A couple of changes took place in Round 24 as the final top eight rankings took shape, with the trio on the podium officially locked in.
Welcome to the weekly rankings of the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, as we unveil who made the most impact in their new colours this season.
8James Peatling (-)
Peatling rounded out a terrific campaign for the Crows in their 13-point win over North Melbourne, having his most damaging match of the season, at least on the scoreboard.
Peatling kicked a season-high three goals and had 10 score involvements from 19 disposals, which included three direct goal assists.
The move from GWS to Adelaide has been a raging success for Peatling, averaging career highs in disposals, inside 50s and clearances.
Peatling has been a standout for the Crows among numerous other recruits, such as Alex Neal-Bullen and Isaac Cumming.
Considering what Adelaide had to give up for Peatling, which was not much at all, and his rapid ascension into becoming a consistent factor in the club winning its first minor premiership since 2017, his credentials stack slightly higher than the other Crows recruits. That makes him the recruit of the year for Adelaide and, in turn, cements himself inside this list's top eight.
