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.
St. Kilda
Jack Macrae
At the end of 2024, the three-time All-Australian midfielder was squeezed out of the Bulldogs. The Saints managed to land Macrae in exchange for just Pick 45.
Macrae's role under Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge had changed significantly in his last four years at the club. After attending 77.5% of centre bounces in 2021, that steadily declined until he attended just 11.5% of centre bounces in 2024. He was even forced back to the VFL at times that year.
Under Ross Lyon in 2025, Macrae managed to rediscover his ball-winning best, particularly early in the year, which saw him recognised as one of the competition's premier midfielders earlier in his career. In Round 8, Macrae registered 38 disposals and a career-best 14 clearances in a big win over Fremantle.
Such a reliable player, Lyon will continue to use Macrae as an anchor through the middle part of the ground, giving the Saints the freedom to expose their younger midfielders.
Other recruits: Eamonn Armstrong, James Barrat, Hugh Boxshall, Harry Boyd, Jack Carroll, Alex Dodson, Patrick Said, Alix Tauru, Tobie Travaglia.
