Round 3 of the AFL season has continued to prove the importance of the free agency and trade periods, as several off-season recruits have continued to stand out as major game breakers for their respective new teams.
As St Kilda continue to win, their newest midfield hero emerges as the competition's best recruit thus far, while two new names crack into the top eight after stellar performances over the weekend's action.
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 3 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.
8. Dan Houston (-3)
The bye may have caused Houston to slip slightly in these power rankings, but it is impossible to take him off. The new Magpie has been crucial in elevating Collingwood's list back into the elite status it once held, and that comes from his elite ball use off half back.
Houston is in an elite club of efficiency early on in 2025. Only four players are averaging at least 20 disposals per game at 88% efficiency or higher - Jase Burgoyne, Harry Himmelberg, Christian Moraes and, of course, Houston. Defensively, Houston has impressed too, amongst Collingwood's best for tackles with 3.5 per game.
He's been a perfect fit next to the Daicos brothers and veteran superstars Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, generating plenty of transition attack opportunities with a pinpoint accurate kick. Collingwood is all in on a premiership this season and as it stands, Houston will be playing a critical role in that hunt for glory.
