A flurry of movement following the conclusion of the 2018 AFL season saw a number of players change colours, hang up the boots or play their first game of professional football in 2019.
Some of the league’s most prolific players switched clubs in a number of high-profile trades including Luke Dahlhaus to Geelong, Dan Hannebury to St Kilda, Lachie Neale to Brisbane, Tom Scully to Hawthorn and Dayne Beams to Collingwood, the latter of whom returns the Pies after four seasons in Queensland’s capital.
As for the rookies, the scintillating debuts of Connor Rozee and Sam Walsh have captivated the competition and earned both players Rising Star nominations.
Roar AFL Expert Marnie Cohen joined us on the Game of Codes podcast to give her answer to a decidely tricky question: who has proven to be the best new recruit so far in 2019 – debutant, trade or mature age – and why?
With countless names to choose from, Cohen and Roar Editor Daniel Jeffrey each chose a player for very different reasons: Gary Rohan and Lachie Neale.
Listen to the discussion:
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Bearfly
Roar Rookie
I think the top 3 recruits who changed clubs during the trade period are Lachie Neale, Gary Rohan and Scott Lycett if basing the comparison solely on their impact within the structure of their new clubs. We all knew how good Neale is, and he has maintained his ball-winning prowess at the Lions to be a clear Brownlow favourite in my eyes. Rohan has surprised me I must admit, but after a lacklustre start in round 1 he has definitely found his niche in the Cats structure and taking his game up a notch. Lycett has relished the opportunity to become the #1 ruckman at Port and is becoming more adept at gathering possession around the ground (I must admit, I was a bit sceptical with Port chasing him with such a lucrative free agency offer, but he has made me eat my words).
Andrew Miller
Editor
Tell you what, after Round 1 I thought Rohan was in for another year of not fulfilling his potential - he's made me look foolish and good on him for that, hope he can keep it up. Probably an accurate assessment RE: Beams. Aside from the contrast in star power, the two midfields are clearly structured differently. Endless variables!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Both Rohan and Neale brilliant recruits. Rohan the big surprise for me. Beams has had to take a step back in the Pies midfield to adhere to structure so I don't think it's a bad thing at all to have him not considered here. Can one argue Neale's influence at the Lions compared to Beams at the Pies is more pronounced because of the players around them?