There is always a keen eye on new recruits and draftees at AFL clubs.
Particularly early in the season when the hopes of all 18 clubs are still well and truly alive.
The New Guys ranks the best performances of those who are stepping out in their club colours for the first time in 2023.
See our Top 10 from Round 3 below:
1. Izak Rankine (Adelaide)
He might have missed out on the Showdown Medal but he gets our vote as the best New Guy from Round 3.
Izak Rankine booted four goals in a near best-on-ground performance in his most accomplished outing for the Crows.
The former no.3 draft pick also had 17 touches, an equal game-high eight score involvements, five tackles (three tackles inside 50), four inside 50s and three clearances in his best outing of what has been a promising start to life as a Crow.
His coach Matthew Nicks and the Power’s Ken Hinkley felt compelled to award Rankine five coaches votes each for his efforts.
2. Brodie Grundy (Melbourne)
No Max Gawn, no worries for the Demons.
Melbourne’s decision to recruit Brodie Grundy from Collingwood took its first step to vindication on Sunday.
Handed the prime ruck duties in captain Gawn’s absence, Grundy flourished for his new club as the Dees comfortably accounted for Sydney.
He had 25 hit-outs, 21 disposals, nine score involvements, six inside 50s, four clearances, three tackles and a goal assist in a sign of things to come in the red and blue.
3. Reuben Ginbey (West Coast)
Reuben Ginbey looks an inspired draft selection by the Eagles.
The 18-year-old’s third AFL appearance was full of substance and strength on what resulted in a disappointing day for his club.
With key personnel dwindling around him, Ginbey did everything in his power to will his teammates forward.
He finished the Western Derby with 20 touches, 13 contested possessions, an equal game-high eight tackles (alongside Glendinning Medal winner Caleb Serong), a team-high six clearances and four inside 50s.
The East Perth product looks a star in the making.
4. Tom Mitchell (Collingwood)
Tom Mitchell has been one of the recruits of the year to date.
His form for Collingwood has been building over the last few weeks and on Friday night at the MCG he was at his prolific best.
Mitchell has made a huge difference for the Magpies around the ball in 2023 and against Richmond that was on full display.
The former Swan and Hawk had 30 touches, 13 contested possessions, five tackles, five clearances and four inside 50s in the wet.
5. Josh Dunkley (Brisbane)
It was a massive night for Josh Dunkley against his former club.
While the Lions failed to get the job done, it was through no fault of Dunkley who stood up for his new club.
The 26-year-old finished with 24 disposals, nine marks, six tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s and his efforts were valiant all night against his former peers.
Teammate Will Ashcroft was again impressive with 23 touches and four clearances, but didn’t quite nab a spot on this list for the third week running.
6. Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)
Harry Sheezel’s start to his career has been quite exceptional.
He was one of North Melbourne’s very best in their first defeat of the season against Hawthorn last Saturday.
Sheezel had 26 touches and while it was the lowest disposal count of his three AFL outings, he was still outstanding.
Throw in seven marks, six tackles, six rebound 50s and four inside 50s
7. Lachie Hunter (Melbourne)
Another new Demon who performed well on the weekend.
Lachie Hunter was one of his side’s best with 23 disposals and two goals, patrolling one of the MCG wings.
He also put the ball inside 50 on six occasions to go along with three clearances in another encouraging display.
8. Billy Frampton (Collingwood)
The key position recruit stood up when it counted for Collingwood in Round 3.
With Jeremy Howe sidelined with an arm injury, Billy Frampton was thrown into the fray last week against Port Adelaide. After conceding early goals to Charlie Dixon, he bounced back well.
Against the Tigers on Friday night he was given the task of keeping Tom Lynch quiet and pulled it off perfectly.
While it was wet and Lynch did miss some gettable set shots, it was still a strong showing from Frampton who is so far filling the Howe void quite well.
9. Oskar Baker (Western Bulldogs)
Oskar Baker was full of running and metres gained in his third game for the Bulldogs.
The former Demon produced his best outing for his new club with 18 disposals (17 kicks), a massive 611 metres gained, a match-high eight inside 50s, seven score involvements and two goal assists.
He also kicked a crucial second-quarter goal as the Dogs got on the board in 2023.
10. Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne)
Technically, Jacob van Rooyen shouldn’t be on this list but upon revision we’ve opened it up to players who are stepping out at senior level for the first time in 2023, even if they were previously drafted.
The 2021 draftee made his much-anticipated debut and duly delivered in a big win over the Swans.
Van Rooyen kicked three goals and provided a goal assist from nine disposals and three marks. He also worked hard defensively, laying six tackles.
It was a debut full of promise.