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.
4. Matthew Kennedy (-1)
Matthew Kennedy once again stood tall in the midfield for the Dogs as they took on Fremantle's powerhouse insiders. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs should be happy with their efforts in major areas of the contest, winning the clearance battle 42-39 and most notably the centre clearances 15-10. This allowed them to pummel the Dockers with inside 50s, winning that category by 19, but failed to capitalise once the ball got in there.
This wasn't the fault of Matthew Kennedy, who continues to be a revelation for the Bulldogs with Bontempelli. His 26 disposals, nine clearances and six score involvements were simply elite and played a significant part in the Dogs' late surge in the fourth quarter.
Like Adelaide with Peatling, Footscray gave up just a second-round pick for Kennedy, his impact appearing to be far beyond that value so far. It's not wrong to go as far as saying he's been invaluable so far, hence his return to the top eight power rankings for a third consecutive week.
