The varied mix of performances from recruits in Round 4 shaped a number of results across an intense weekend of footy.

Two Suns have emerged as players to watch while the top two remains unchanged after strong efforts in the midfield by each player respectively.

So, who's making the most impact in their new colours? Welcome to the weekly ranking of the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, with Round 4 giving us plenty to consider.

Selection criteria: Only players who were on an AFL playing list at a different club in the prior season will be considered as recruits in these rankings.

7. Dan Houston (+1)

Dan Houston's next fortnight is in doubt after a controversial high-bump on Carlton's Lachie Fogarty. It's not an understatement to suggest that Collingwood will sorely miss him with two titanic fixtures lurking against both 2024 grand finalists. His impact on the Magpies outfit has been critical thus far.

Houston was elite with a ball in hand again in Collingwood's statement rivalry win over Carlton on Thursday night, which not many other players on the field could say. Only Sam Walsh, Adam Saad and teammate Josh Daicos had more disposals at a higher efficiency rate than Houston's 23 disposals of which 70% were effective. His ball use off half back has been critical in generating inside 50s for the Magpies, leading Collingwood in rebound 50s with six on Thursday.

Defensively he put together perhaps his best game of the season in what was an overall ugly contest, collecting seven intercept possessions to improve his average to 6.3 per game. Only key defender Darcy Moore averages more than him at the Pies this season.

How Collingwood fill his role against the Swans remains to be seen but his mistake could be costly considering his importance to their success in 2025.