The seventh week of the AFL season saw a number of recruits live up to their pre-season hype as the power rankings begin to take shape.
A new leader has emerged out of the Bulldogs midfield, while three mainstay defenders solidify their positions in the top eight after big weekends.
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 7 giving us plenty to consider.
7. Tom Barrass (-1)
Hawthorn's defence once again presented itself as the Hawks' most dangerous feature in their hunt for a first premiership since the three-peat, keeping West Coast to just 19 scoring shots. Tom Barrass featured prominently again, holding Jake Waterman to his lowest score involvements in a game since the Eagles were crushed by Gold Coast in Round 1.
In addition to this, the key defender would lead the match in spoils with four, took three intercept marks and on attack generated three rebound 50s and launched two scoring chains. While far from his best game this season, Barrass' impact was crucial in Hawthorn's cruisy win, remaining a pivotal piece in their top four charge.
Barrass still leads the brown and gold in one-percenters and intercept marks this campaign and with a fleeting Richmond side on the cards, his ability to negate the impact of their forwards could spell a blowout in the making.
