The AFL's trade and free agency periods can be make or break windows for clubs as they look to bolster their playing lists for the next year.

In recent years, premierships have been won off the back of an off-season recruit, most notably Bobby Hill, who won the 2023 Norm Smith Medal for Collingwood in his first season at the club after requesting a move from GWS the prior year.

After Round 1, there are already multiple clubs reaping the rewards of their new signings, with several game-changing performances making headlines.

So, who's making the most impact in their new colours? We'll weekly rank the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, with Round 1 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. Daniel Rioli

The Suns' new era is off to a captivating start, assured by the excellent play of their off-season recruits in defence.

Daniel Rioli in particular starred on debut in the red jumper with an electric 21 disposals and two goals off halfback as Gold Coast cruised to victory over a rebuilding Eagles outfit.

It's easy to overreact to one game against a poor side, but Rioli looks comfortable and aware of his role under Hardwick's tutelage again.

The Suns are noticeably replicating the playstyle of Hardwick's Richmond dynasty, which Rioli was a key figure in, so his confident debut sparks imagination about what Gold Coast could achieve in 2025.