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.
Fremantle
Murphy Reid
It was an incredible debut season for Reid, playing 24 games and kicking 25 goals on his way to earning the AFL's Rising Star Award.
The Dockers selected Reid with Pick 17 in the 2024 National Draft. No doubt the club had some expectation Reid would feature at AFL level in 2025 given he was the club's first selection at the draft, however his output far exceeded what anyone thought he would produce.
He burst onto the scene in Round 1 against the Cats, booting four goals in the space of just six minutes. In the Dockers' Round 11 win over Port Adelaide, Reid produced a career-best performance, booting four goals to go with 18 disposals. He also stood up in the Dockers' elimination final loss to the Suns, collecting 20 disposals and a goal.
After a stunning first year at AFL level, the Dockers will have high hopes for Reid as he looks to make his mark through the midfield.
Other recruits: Shai Bolton, Jaren Carr, Isaiah Dudley, Quinton Narkle, Charlie Nicholls, Aiden Riddle.
