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.
3. Daniel Rioli (NEW)
Daniel Rioli returns to the power rankings in emphatic fashion after a close to best-on-ground performance against Adelaide. His 26 disposals, 24 of which were effective, led the Suns and became paramount to generating offense as the Crows did a serviceable job containing Gold Coast's rampant midfield. Rioli's six rebound 50s and four score involvements highlight his impact on the win, with his six tackles being his best output for the Suns to date.
Rioli's impact across the whole year has been fantastic too. Only Sam Collins uses the ball more effectively than him at the Suns and Rioli's pace allows him to create many handball receive opportunities to drive the ball forward into attacking positions. Gold Coast's two half back additions in Rioli and Noble have been critical to their early success in 2025 and Saturday's win exemplified that notion.
