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 6 below:
1. Tim Taranto (Richmond)
Taranto was Richmond’s best payer in their loss to Melbourne on Monday night.
He finished with 33 disposals, 10 tackles and 10 score involvements - all game-highs - plus six inside 50s and six clearances (an equal game-high).
The midfielder was a key reason why the Tigers led for more than 70 minutes on the night, before some inaccuracy in front of goal and defensive errors from his teammates resulted in the defeat.
The prized recruit leads the Tigers for total disposals, contested possessions, clearances, centre clearances and score involvements in 2023.
2. Billy Frampton (Collingwood)
The defender-turned-ruckman was vital in Collingwood’s come-from-behind Anzac Day victory over Essendon on Tuesday.
Without a recognised ruck in the team, Craig McRae has turned to Frampton to plug the gap and he delivered in spades on the big stage at the MCG.
Frampton led all comers with 28 hit-outs to go with 15 disposals, four inside 50s, three clearances, two contested marks and an important fourth-quarter goal.
It was a workmanlike performance but one of great impact.
3. Karl Amon (Hawthorn)
Amon has been tracking fairly well in Hawks colours.
The Round 7 performance against Adelaide was arguably the best of 2023 from the former Power player.
The wingman had 22 touches (at 86.4% efficiency), five tackles, four inside 50s, four rebound 50s, two goal assists and kicked a goal.
4. Jacob Hopper (Richmond)
Hopper was good again for the Tigers with 23 touches and a goal against the Demons.
He also took 10 marks, had seven inside 50s, six score involvements and laid five tackles.
It was a serviceable showing against a strong Melbourne midfield unit and his efforts helped the Tigers to a 25-point lead during the second term.
5. Jacob Van Rooyen (Melbourne)
While he was quiet int the first three quarters with just four disposals, Van Rooyen helped turn the game for the Dees in the final quarter.
He kicked 3.1 of Melbourne’s 5.1 from four touches and three marks in a clutch final quarter performance.
It wasn’t the most prolific of nights, but in terms of importance it was right up there.
6. Tom Mitchell (Collingwood)
Mitchell was again effective in the middle for the Magpies.
He had 23 disposals with 16 contested possessions to go with eight tackles (an equal game-high) and six clearances, including two out of the centre.
The former Swan and Hawk plays such a nice complementary role alongside the likes of Jordan De Goey, Scott Pendlebury and Taylor Adams, who returns from suspension this week.
7. Sam Weideman (Essendon)
The Anzac Day match was Weideman’s best outing in Essendon colours.
He was a constant presence inside attacking 50 and appeared to be his side’s most dangerous forward behind Kyle Langford.
The former Demon kicked 2.2 from 14 disposals with eight marks (three contested) and seven score involvements in a much brighter performance after returning from concussion.
8. Blake Acres (Carlton)
It ended a disappointing Sunday for the Blues, but Acres found plenty of the ball against one of his former clubs in St Kilda.
He racked up 36 touches, took 11 marks, had a game-high 664 metres gained, nine rebound 50s, four inside 50s and three clearances.
The Blues had plenty of the ball but just couldn’t break down Ross Lyon’s stingy defence.
9. Brodie Grundy (Melbourne)
In similar fashion to teammate Van Rooyen, Grundy stood up in the second half when the Demons needed him.
He was massive in the third term with eight disposals, four clearances and three hit-outs and more broadly in the second half gave his midfield some nice supply as he and Max Gawn eventually got the better of Samson Ryan and Ben Miller.
It certainly wasn’t a vintage Grundy performance by an stretch, but he was crucial in helping the Dees over the line at the business end of the match.
10. Josh Dunkley (Brisbane)
Another strong showing from Dunkley as the Lions made it three on the trot.
It was a customary showing from the former Bulldog who finished the win over the Giants with 21 disposals next to his name.
Dunkley also had an equal team-high 14 contested possessions, four clearances and four tackles in another hard-working outing.