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.
Carlton
Francis Evans
Evans was somewhat of a surprising SSP addition by the Blues prior to the season, with their small forward ranks already appearing well-stocked. With Jesse Motlop, Corey Durdin, Lachie Fogarty and Orazio Fantasia already listed by the Blues, it was a surprising move but one that paid dividends with Evans' hot finish to the season.
Evans played 11 games for the season, including the last seven in a row, averaging career best numbers in disposals, goals and tackles. He produced the best football of his career in the last three weeks of the season, including a haul of four goals against the Suns and three against the Bombers.
His strong run of form to finish the season saw him sign a one-year contract extension. Given Evans cost the Blues nothing, the Blues would be stoked with what he was able to produce in 2025.
Other recruits: Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale, Harry Charleson, Matt Duffy, Nick Haynes, Harry O'Farrell, Jagga Smith, Will White
