The 2024 trade and draft windows formed a busy off-season for many AFL clubs.
Whether it was a big-name free agent on the move, a highly touted youngster capable of creating immediate impact, a steal late on draft night, or a low-cost trade filling a list need, each club found a player that helped shape their 2025 season.
This isn't a ranking of your club's best-performed recruit, but instead a player that outperformed what your club paid to get them - a player who addressed a list need, had an impact and played an important role in your team's system. Here's one recruit each AFL club nailed.
Melbourne
Harvey Langford
Melbourne swooped on Langford with their first selection in the draft with Pick 6. Although costing the Dees a first-round selection, Langford looks like he could become a genuine star of the competition.
Some of the games Langford produced as a first-year player were seriously impressive. In just his second game against the Suns, he recorded 26 disposals and a goal. In the Demons' Round 9 loss to the Hawks, he had 22 disposals to go with three goals.
After losing both Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca in the trade period, the Demons may have found their next midfield star. He finished fourth in the Rising Star Award and top 10 in the Demons' best and fairest.
Other recruits: Tom Campbell, Jai Culley, Jack Henderson, Aidan Johnson, Xavier Lindsay, Ricky Mentha, Harry Sharp.
