Hawthorn Defender Joins the Crow, Saints Keep Climbing: Recruit of the Year Power Rankings – Round 17

There has been some movement in our Recruit of the Year rankings following Round 17, with a Hawthorn defender returning to the list.

A quiet game from an Eagles leader sees him fall off the page, while midfielders from St Kilda and Adelaide press their case for the steal of the year.

Who's making the most impact in their new colours? Welcome to the weekly rankings of the Recruit of the Year contenders for 2025, with Round 17 giving us plenty to consider.

Josh Battle (NEW)

The Hawthorn defender joins the Recruit Rankings contingent after a stellar performance against his former club.

Battle was a brick wall in defence, collecting 23 disposals (91.3 per cent efficiency), nine intercept possessions, seven marks and two tackles.

The 26-year-old also didn't lose a one-on-one contest on the night, and had four spoils as the Hawks ran out 20-point winners.

Battle's return to form ended a string of down performances, based on his high standards, but he has forced his way back onto this list.

Luke Parker (-1)

The veteran onballer didn't feature for North Melbourne against the Western Bulldogs in Round 17.

But Parker's season to date at his new club has been impressive so far, only dipping under 20 disposals on two occasions in 15 starts.

The 32-year-old is playing a hybrid role through the midfield and up forward, which has yielded solid returns, averaging 22.5 possessions, 3.3 marks, 4.3 tackles and 4.5 clearances.

The Kangaroos missed Parker's leadership as the Bulldogs broke away on Thursday, which has been pivotal throughout 2025 amongst a young lineup.

James Peatling (+2)

The former Giant has well and truly settled into his new home at West Lakes, and he was crucial in Sunday's hard-fought victory over Melbourne.

Peatling registered 25 touches, six clearances and five score involvements after spending large amounts of time through the midfield.

His fast feet and quick hands proved to be difficult for the Demons to contend with, while he also dished off two direct goal assists.

John Noble (-1)

The running defender continues to rack up plenty of possessions, and Saturday was no different against Essendon, gathering 29 touches.

Noble went at a relatively effective rate (72.4 per cent), but also claimed six intercept possessions and five score involvements.

His defensive efforts were also on show, laying five tackles and recording two spoils.

Jack Macrae (+1)

The experienced midfielder produced another solid game for the Saints, and helped gain ascendancy through the centre square against the Hawks.

Macrae has no issue finding the football, amassing 26 possessions (16 contested) along with 10 tackles, nine score involvements and four clearances.

The former Bulldog also hit the scoreboard, slotting a goal in the third term.

Macrae's spread from the stoppage was also reflected by his 343 metres gained, albeit the majority of his disposals were by hand.

Shai Bolton (-)

The Fremantle livewire remains in the hunt for the Recruit of the Year mantle despite a relatively quiet performance by his lofty standards.

In the surprise loss to Sydney, Bolton gathered 17 possessions (52.9 per cent effective), alongside five clearances and seven inside 50s.

However, the ex-Tiger struggled to get involved in scores, with stats indicating he was only included on two occasions in the defeat.

Bolton remains in third position, but only just.

Matthew Kennedy (-)

Kennedy's impressive run of form continued against North Melbourne on Thursday night, collecting 25 touches, six inside 50s, four clearances and seven score involvements.

The former Blue has been a revelation for the Bulldogs since crossing from Carlon last year, helping shoulder the midfield load alongside Tom Liberatore , Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards .

Kennedy went at 84 per cent effectiveness with ball in hand, and plays both the inside and outside roles perfectly under Luke Beveridge , allowing the club to throw around players in different positions.

Bailey Smith (-)

The Geelong superstar didn't feature in the club's victory over Richmond due to illness, but that won't topple the 24-year-old off the top spot.

Smith woke up sick, according to his coach Chris Scott , and was removed the day before the clash.

The former Bulldog's 13 games this season have forced him into Brownlow Medal contention, averaging 32 disposals, 5.3 marks, 5.3 tackles and 5.3 clearances.

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