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.
6. Josh Battle (NEW)
Josh Battle makes a boisterous return to the power rankings after displaying his tenacious ball-winning ability and lethal kick from half-back in the Hawks' win over West Coast. It was certainly his best performance since the Hawks knocked off Carlton back in Round 2, season bests in marks with seven, intercept possessions with ten and ground ball gets with six.
Defensively, he was superb, reading the Eagles' inside 50 kicks brilliantly to help limit them to just six marks from 50 entries, notching an equal game-high four spoils. Yet, it was in attack where Battle shined brightest on Sunday, boasting a career-best seven score involvements, four score launches and seven rebound 50s, a mark he's achieved just four times before in his 130-game career.
Perhaps the return to Marvel Stadium, the former Saint's old home, played a role in his domination but no matter how you spin it, Battle's half-back presence has dynamised the Hawks' attack.
