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 5 below:
1. Josh Dunkley (Brisbane)
Dunkley was the best of the New Guys in Round 5.
He finished with 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six tackles and four clearances in the massive win over North Melbourne.
The former Dog was instrumental in the pivot and was rewarded with three coaches votes for his efforts, the most of any new player last weekend.
2. Jacob Hopper (Richmond)
Despite Richmond’s loss to Sydney, Hopper was one of his side’s best.
He amassed 32 touches (his most as a Tiger), plus six inside 50s, five clearances and five tackles.
The former Giant was composed in heavy traffic in a very positive individual showing.
3. Bobby Hill (Collingwood)
Hill was decisive in Collingwood’s eventually narrow win over St Kilda.
He led the scoring with three goals in a low-scoring affair which proved invaluable, as well as 12 touches and three inside 50s. He also had a goal assist.
The former Giant was the Magpies’ highest rated player according to Champion Data, slightly ahead of teammate Tom Mitchell.
4. Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)
The superb debut season of Sheezel continues.
In the loss to the Lions the 19-year-old had a team-high 31 disposals, plus six score involvements, three inside 50s and a goal.
His first year in the game is tracking as well as any before him. He now has 158 disposals after his first five games - the best return in history in a debut campaign.
5. Jason Horne-Francis (Port Adelaide)
While his numbers weren’t huge, Horne-Francis had a major influence on Port’s hard-fought win over the Dogs.
The former Roo finished with 19 disposals, 11 of which came in the cutthroat final term along with five inside 50s and four clearances.
He helped will the Power across the line.
6. Tom Mitchell (Collingwood)
It was another accomplished performance form Mitchell as the Pies edged the Saints in Adelaide.
He racked up 28 touches with 12 contested possessions, laid six tackles, had six clearances, five inside 50s and kicked a goal.
Mitchell has become a more damaging player in black and white.
7. Tim Taranto (Richmond)
Taranto was busy in the Tigers’ loss to the Swans.
The midfielder had 34 touches - the second most for the game - to go with a massive 30 pressure acts, seven score involvements, six tackles and five inside 50s.
His disposal efficiency was still a little low, but he did work tirelessly once again.
8. Liam Jones (Western Bulldogs)
This was Jones’ best game in Bulldogs colours.
On a tricky night, the ex-Blue took five marks and had 15 touches including 13 intercept possessions and seven rebound 50s.
He picked up a coaches vote for his troubles.
9. Fergus Greene (Hawthorn)
Greene has done a pretty decent job as Hawthorn’s main forward target in the absence of Mitch Lewis.
The former Bulldog kicked three goals in a narrow loss to the Giants and now leads the club in 2023 with eight goals alongside Luke Breust.
He also took seven marks, had three inside 50s and three tackles inside 50, equal most on the day with Toby Greene.
10. Luke Jackson (Fremantle)
The 21-year-old has been criticised ad nauseam so far this season, but we’ve given him his flowers.
Jackson kicked two goals from 13 touches along with 10 hitouts, eight score involvements, three tackles and two contested marks.
It was a solid outing from the ex-Demon who is slowly building in Freo colours.