Zero Hanger’s top 10 recruits of 2018

Published by
Patrick Lucarelli

With the AFL season already a third of the way through, we've had a go at ranking the top 10 recruits who have impressed so far.

Nathan Wilson

After the highly rated rebound defender wanted a trade back to Western Australia, Fremantle were quick to jump to his services. Wilson has been one of the best rebounders and meters gained players in the AFL in the past couple of seasons and a trade for just a second round pick is starting to look like a steal for the rebuilding Dockers.

Wilson is averaging four inside 50's a game (elite) as well as 4.9 rebound 50's (above average) and 18.7 disposals.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Nathan Wilson of the Dockers passes the ball during the round five AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Jake Lever

After copping some flack from Adelaide team mates when he left, and the Melbourne supporters once he came across, Lever's start to the season was poor. With coach Simon Goodwin saying it will take at least half the season for Lever to get going, we are starting to see that he already has. With Melbourne improving over the past month, Lever has been a major reason for this.

Lever is averaging 2.5 intercept marks (above average) this year, as well as 3.5 rebound 50's and five marks a game.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Jake Lever of the Demons handpasses the ball during the round four AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Jaidyn Stephenson

After being selected with pick six in the National Draft, Stephenson has already received a rising star nomination. After being diagnosed with a heart condition, it didn't stop the Pies selecting the talented teenager. Stephenson hasn't looked out of place on the big stage, seamlessly fitting into the Collingwood's forward line structure.

Stephenson is averaging 1.3 goals a game (above average) along with a 72.2 disposal efficiency rate (above average) as well as 3.3 tackles a game (above average).

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Jaidyn Stephenson of Collingwood celebrates kicking a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on May 6, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Jarman Impey

Traded for essentially a second round pick, Impey has been a revelation for the Hawks so far this season. Brought in for his speed, run, carry and defensive pressure, Impey has undoubtedly brought that and is quickly becoming an invaluable member of Hawthorn's best 22.

Impey is averaging 3.8 inside 50's per game (above average) as well as 1.4 bounces a game (elite) and 1.6 scores launches (elite).

BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 3: Jarman Impey of the Hawks runs during the AFL 2018 JLT Community Series match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Mars Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Luke Hodge

Showing plenty of aggression and on field leadership, Hodge has been impressive in his tenure at the Lions since his shock move up north in last year's trade period. Although at times Hodge has looked rusty and slow, he still provides the younger players at Brisbane, in particular, the guidance and experience they need.

For someone who was going to retire, Hodge is averaging 18.6 disposals a game as well as 5.0 one per centers a game (elite) and 4.6 spoils (elite).

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Luke Hodge of the Lions talks to players during the round two AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on March 31, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Sam Murray

When Collingwood pulled the trigger for unknown half back Sam Murray, many fans and experts questioned the decision to give up a future second round selection for an untried player. However, Collingwood's surprise trade has turned out to be a precocious talent and a rocket launcher off half back. Murray has already been nominated for the rising star and he continues to impress with his flair and willingness to run with the ball.

Murray is averaging 20.8 disposals (above average) as well as 2.3 inside 50's a game (above average).

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Sam Murray of the Magpies kicks the ball during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Charlie Cameron

After moving on from the Crows after their grand final heartache, Cameron has continued his form from last season and is already impressing at his new club. Cameron already has four bags of three goals this season and his class, skill and physical attack on the ball has been the highlight so far this season.

Cameron who was traded for pick 12 in the National Draft is averaging 1.9 goals a game (elite) as well as 2.6 tackles a game.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Charlie Cameron of the Lions handballs during the round seven AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Collingwood Magpies at The Gabba on May 6, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Bryce Gibbs

Bryce Gibbs was traded to the Crows for two first round selections and many thought that Gibbs may be the final piece of the puzzle that Adelaide needed to finally go all the way and win the Grand Final. Gibbs has been one of Adelaide's best midfielders and the move to bring him in was much needed considering the injuries to Rory Sloane, Matt Crouch and Brad Crouch.

Gibbs is averaging 26.8 disposals (above average) as well as 5.8 clearances (above average) and 0.9 goals a game (above average).

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Bryce Gibbs of the Crows is tackled by Brad Ebert of the Power during the 2018 AFL round eight match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on May 12, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Devon Smith

When Essendon handed over pick number 11 in the National Draft in return for Devon Smith and two second round selections, many questioned the amount Essendon paid for a small forward/midfielder that had a supposedly dodgy knee. However eight games into the season and Smith is looking like a bargain.

Smith has recorded 65 tackles so far this season, which is the equal second most in the AFL. Smith also is averaging 20.5 disposals per game (above average) as well as 3.1 clearance per game (above average).

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Devon Smith of the Bombers during the round four AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Port Adelaide Power at Etihad Stadium on April 15, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Tim Kelly

Selected at pick 24 in the National Draft, Kelly has been a revelation so far for the Cats. After entering the draft at a mature age of 23, Kelly so far this season has averaged 22.4 disposals, 4.1 clearances and 4.6 inside 50's.

Kelly has seamlessly slotted into Geelong's starting midfield, with his ability to rotate into the forward line being a highlight, averaging almost one goal a game. Kelly has also been very impressive at ground level and throughout stoppages, averaging 3.0 stoppage clearances (elite) and 8.8 ground ball gets a game (elite).

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Tim Kelly celebrates the win on the siren during the round eight AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 13, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

 

 

Published by
Patrick Lucarelli