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.
Geelong
Bailey Smith
Considering Geelong only gave up Picks 17 and 38 for Bailey Smith and Pick 45, the trade has been a huge success for the Cats so far.
Although at times his off-field antics have created unnecessary distractions, Smith's on-field output certainly couldn't be questioned in 2025. The star midfielder averaged career best numbers in almost every statistical category, including 31.3 disposals, 5.7 clearances and five tackles.
His season included winning the AFLCA Champion Player and a third-place finish in the Brownlow.
Other recruits: Cillian Burke, Lennox Hofmann, Xavier Ivisic, Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Jack Martin, Jacob Molier, Joe Pike, Jay Polkinghorne, Patrick Retschko.
