The AFL's trade and free agency periods can be make or break windows for clubs as they look to bolster their playing lists for the next year.
In recent years, premierships have been won off the back of an off-season recruit, most notably Bobby Hill, who won the 2023 Norm Smith Medal for Collingwood in his first season at the club after requesting a move from GWS the prior year.
After Round 1, there are already multiple clubs reaping the rewards of their new signings, with several game-changing performances making headlines.
So, who's making the most impact in their new colours? We'll weekly rank the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, with Round 1 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.
2. Tom Barrass
The recruitment of Tom Barrass already looks like a masterclass for the Hawks, as their stellar 2-0 start to 2025 has been anchored by the former Eagles' efforts in their defensive 50.
Barrass has been the perfect fullback to elevate Hawthorn's defence into elite territory, averaging six spoils per game over the first two weeks of the season.
Combining his stoic presence with an already dynamic backline featuring Jack Scrimshaw, James Sicily, Josh Weddle and other off-season recruit Josh Battle, the Hawks held the Bombers to just seven marks inside 50 from 58 entries. The week earlier, Barrass played a critical role in a similar outcome, with the Swans producing just five marks inside 50 from 40 entries.
The Hawks have the makings of a premiership-level defence with the additions of Barrass and Battle, particularly with Barrass' intercept ability, and it's why both feature on this list.
