ADELAIDE
Matt Crouch: The younger brother of emerging star Brad, Crouch's ball-winning ability was well known when he arrived at West Lakes. The 18-year-old averaged 38 touches a game at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and already looks the type of player who'll have no worries getting his hands on the ball at the elite level. Crouch was awarded a NAB AFL Rising Star Award nomination for his round five performance against Greater Western Sydney when he collected 28 disposals in just three quarters. Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly have both had their moments, but Crouch has had the greatest impact. 
Best moment: Crouch's first goal was one to savour. The Crows easily led St Kilda in round four when Josh Jenkins tapped a ball to him just outside the side's attacking 50. Off one step Crouch launched one off his left boot and watched it sail home before he was mobbed by his teammates. - Harry Thring

BRISBANE LIONS
James Aish: It's hard to go past the most recent NAB Rising Star nominee, but Aish had plenty of competition for this gong. If the criteria was 'most important' debutant, former Geelong ruckman Trent West would be a landslide winner for his ability to cover the loss of injured Matthew Leuenberger. Quite simply, the Lions would have been lost without him. But Aish has been the cream of the Lions' draft crop, edging livewire Lewis Taylor and robust midfielder Nick Robertson. Aish, the No.7 pick from last year's draft, has averaged 17 disposals and almost six marks and is improving every week. He mixes class with toughness.
Best moment: His roving from a stoppage and beautifully snapped goal with the left foot against St Kilda last start was all class. That highlighted a terrific game for Aish who also took a contested mark on the last line when the Lions were under intense pressure. - Michael Whiting

CARLTON
Andrejs Everitt: The former Western Bulldog and Sydney Swan has fitted in well at Visy Park, playing all six matches to date. Everitt has also impressed in a new role as a run-with midfielder, performing some important stopping roles on players such as Richmond's Brett Deledio and West Coast's Andrew Gaff, and edges out former Magpie Dale Thomas as the most impressive new Blue. After a slow start to 2014, Thomas has been steadily improving and could well be judged Carlton's best recruit by the end of the season.
Best moment: Everitt not only quelled the influence of Deledio after the Tigers vice-captain made a fast start to the round two Carlton-Richmond blockbuster, he also helped kick-start a comeback that almost saw the Blues pinch an unlikely win. With the Blues 31 points down at half-time, Everitt kicked the first goal of the third quarter and added another 15 minutes later as the Blues went on a seven-goal-to-two run that helped them level the scores late in the final term. - Nick Bowen

COLLINGWOOD
Tom Langdon: Injuries and the absence of Marley Williams gave Tom Langdon, pick No.65 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, an opportunity to play in round one and he grabbed it with both hands. Langdon has poise and uses the ball well. Importantly he appears unflustered and has quickly slotted into a defensive unit that places a high price on effort and predictability. After missing out on the draft the season before, Langdon learned more about his craft at the Sandringham Dragons, particularly the way former St Kilda defender Jason Blake thought his way through situations. Jesse White has also been impressive, continuing to provide Collingwood what he gave the Sydney Swans at the end of 2013, but Langdon's efforts have been more of a revelation. 
Best moment: Langdon's debut was the highlight in an otherwise terrible night for Collingwood against Fremantle. He had 24 disposals and earned warm applause late in the game when he gathered the ball deep in defence, evaded a tackle and kicked to a teammate.  – Peter Ryan


Tom Langdon has been a revelation in Collingwood's defence this season. Picture: AFL Media

ESSENDON
Paul Chapman: It is pretty hard to surpass Chapman as Essendon's best recruit this season, given his impact in the forward line. Chapman kicked four goals in the club's strong win over North Melbourne in his first game for the Bombers, and remains its equal leading goal kicker after six rounds with nine majors. He is a crowd favourite already. It's a player at the other end of his career – Martin Gleeson – who is second on the list for new Bombers so far. The dashing half-back provides run and drive and has a touch of class to him. Zach Merrett, too, looks a player of the future with his elite left foot and goal smarts. 
Best moment: That round one victory against the Kangaroos remains Essendon's best moment of the year, and probably Chapman's. He kicked the opening goal of the game when intercepting a kick from North defender Luke McDonald, and then backed it up moments later with a snap from the goal square. Within moments he had won over the Essendon faithful, and shown his value as a free agent pick-up. - Callum Twomey

FREMANTLE
Michael Apeness: The Dockers have not had a debutant play in the home and away season yet. Colin Sylvia and Scott Gumbleton both played in the pre-season but Sylvia's fitness and discipline has been repeatedly questioned and Gumbleton's serious hamstring injury has seen him disappear from view. The most exciting new player at Fremantle has only played in the WAFL, but Michael Apeness looks a real prospect. He's a 200cm and 101kg power forward who Fremantle selected with pick No. 17 in the 2013 NAB AFL draft. His WAFL form has been very good, apart from a recent adductor injury. He is one to watch.
Best moment: Apeness' best moment came in round four of the WAFL against Subiaco. He took nine marks, seven contested, and one of those was a huge pack mark. He kicked 2.2 for the match for Peel. – Alex Malcolm

GEELONG
Hamish McIntosh: The former North Melbourne ruckman joined the Cats during the 2012 player exchange period but was unable to play a game at any level in 2013 due to a range of leg injuries. And there were still plenty of doubts about his durability on the eve of this season. But since notching his first game for Geelong in the win over Adelaide in round one, McIntosh has proved his doubters wrong, playing every game so far and making a mark both in the ruck and up forward.
Best moment: Early in the first quarter of the Cats' season opener against the Crows, there was a contest around 50m out from Geelong's goal. The ball was soccered towards McIntosh, who grabbed it just outside the centre square, sprinted inside 50, then slotted a running goal. McIntosh was mobbed by his teammates while the Simonds Stadium crowd went berserk. - Adam McNicol

GOLD COAST
Kade Kolodjashnij: It's a photo finish between Kolodjashnij and fellow draftee Sean Lemmens for the nod. While stout defender Clay Cameron has also been terrific, his season has been stalled by a shoulder injury, leaving it up to the two young half-backs to duel for the recognition in this category. Lemmens, pick No.27, has been magnificent with his defensive prowess and dash from the back, but the class and poise of Kolodjashnij is just too hard to overlook. The No.5 pick from Tasmania has averaged 20 disposals and five marks in his five games and rarely missed a target. His composure is well beyond his 18 years.
Best moment: Against Greater Western Sydney at the weekend, Kolodjashnij was pitted largely against players his own age, and excelled. His 20 disposals were at 80 per cent disposal efficiency, showing just where his strengths lie. His temperament under pressure was again first class. - Michael Whiting



Kade Kolodjashnij has slotted into Gold Coast's side seamlessly. Picture: AFL Media

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Josh Kelly: A number of Giants could take this mantle. Shane Mumford's start to the year was brilliant, although a knee injury has kept him to just three games. Heath Shaw and Josh Hunt have also provided plenty of veteran leadership and Jed Lamb is finding his feet. But for excitement, potential and poise beyond his years, Kelly takes the gong.
Best moment: Kelly's fourth-quarter cameo against St Kilda on debut in round two indicated his talent, but his best moments came the following week against Melbourne. With the Giants leading by a point in driving rain early in the fourth quarter, he scooped up a loose ball close to the goal line and sneaked through a goal that extended their lead. Later in the term he faked a handball, turned to his right and snapped another goal on his left foot that set the Giants well on the path to victory. – James Dampney

HAWTHORN
Ben McEvoy: Having already blooded Tim O'Brien, Derick Wanganeen, Angus Litherland and Mitch Hallahan, nobody can accuse the reigning premiers of not looking to the future. Unsurprisingly, though, it's Ben McEvoy who has had the biggest impact and Alastair Clarkson must still be pinching himself about this recruiting coup. The 24-year-old ex-Saint has been an excellent foil for attacking ruckman David Hale, with his tap work and marking around the ground adding another dimension to the already formidable Hawks. In four games in brown and gold, McEvoy's average disposals, marks, hit-outs, tackles and goals per game are all higher than during his 91 matches for St Kilda.
Best moment: McEvoy whet the appetite of Hawks fans in round one when he rose above Brisbane Lions defender Justin Clarke and snared an important contested grab at the top of the goalsquare late in the opening term. McEvoy kicked truly for his first major in brown and gold colours, giving Hawthorn a slender quarter-time lead in the hard-fought 48-point win. – Travis King

MELBOURNE
Dom Tyson: Melbourne gave up plenty to procure Tyson from Greater Western Sydney, parting with pick No. 2 (Josh Kelly) in last year's draft to land him. The deal also involved the swapping of picks 20 and 72, while the Demons received Tyson and picks nine (Christian Salem) and 53. The 20-year-old has rewarded Melbourne's faith in his first six games for his new club, averaging 22.2 disposals, 4.5 clearances and 10 contested possessions. Those stats are good enough to place him third, second and second, respectively, at the club. Bernie Vince's class has been important and Daniel Cross' example has been exemplary but Tyson's worth in taking some of the pressure off Nathan Jones has been understated. Tyson is the talented young midfielder the Demons have been after for years.
Best moment: Tyson's consistency is more significant, but his goal against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night provided a snapshot of what he is capable of. The youngster fed the handball out, buttered up to receive the linking handball and then finished with confidence from 40m on the run in the third quarter. – Ben Guthrie


Dom Tyson has added depth to Melbourne's midfield in his first season at the club. Picture: AFL Media

NORTH MELBOURNE
Nick Dal Santo: The former Saint had a slow start to his life as a Roo in the round one loss to Essendon, but has been one of North's most consistent players since and would be among the leaders in its best and fairest count. As expected, Dal Santo has added class and poise to North's emerging team, but North coach Brad Scott has also lauded his leadership. Father-son recruit Luke McDonald has also impressed in his first season, slipping seamlessly into North's defence and winning the round four NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his 20–possession game against the Sydney Swans.
Best moment: Dal Santo put in a complete performance against the Dockers last Friday night. In North's hard-fought 13-point win, he was classy and desperate in equal measures. While his third-quarter goal in heavy traffic was the highlight, his smothering and attack on the ball were just as impressive. - Nick Bowen

PORT ADELAIDE
Jarman Impey: A supremely confident small defender, Impey has appeared at home in the AFL environment playing every game this season. Despite Impey's inexperience, Power coach Ken Hinkley has shown great trust in his ability by exposing him to some of the game's best small forwards and has been very pleased – albeit unsurprised – by the results. His pace, and run and carry, has also impressed in 2014 and the youngster is undoubtedly headed for a long career at the elite level.
Best moment: Subbed into the game for the final term against Geelong in round six, Impey showcased his speed and agility to dodge two players before dishing to Ollie Wines, who handballed to Robbie Gray, who set up Chad Wingard for the game-sealer. - Harry Thring

RICHMOND
Shaun Hampson: Given ruckman Ivan Maric's injury, Hampson has been a vital recruit for the Tigers, slotting in as the club's No.1 big man. Averaging more than 35 hit-outs a game (No.5 in the AFL), he is carrying a significant load in the ruck and combining well with captain Trent Cotchin. Originally recruited as a second ruckman who can add height to the Tigers' forward line, his value should increase when Maric returns and the pair can rotate in attack.     
Best moment: Against his former club Carlton in round two, Hampson was required to stand up in the crucial final minutes with his team under siege. His ability to influence stoppages with taps to advantage while opponent Robbie Warnock cramped helped the Tigers scrape over the line. – Nathan Schmook

ST KILDA
Luke Dunstan: Eli Templeton and Jack Billings have also provided highlights in their debut seasons – Billings being nominated for goal of the year in round five – but Dunstan has played with consistency across every game. He is fifth in tackles, fourth in contested possessions and equal second at the Saints in clearances with 23 to Leigh Montagna, who leads on 35. The 2013 draftee, dubbed "man child" by his teammates, was nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star in round one for his 21 disposals amid a depleted St Kilda midfield. 
Best moment: There's been plenty in close but his snapped goal against West Coast showed he's got the skills to finish off as well. The goal, with just under four minutes left in the second quarter, was off his preferred left foot and in close on the run.  – Jennifer Phelan

Lance Franklin, despite his travails, has been the Swans best new player. Picture: AFL Media

SYDNEY SWANS
Lance Franklin: Considering his car concerns, knee issues and inconsistent form, Franklin's inclusion in this list could raise the odd eyebrow. But the Swans have only had three club debutants this season – Franklin, Jeremy Laidler and Tom Derickx. Laidler is taking advantage of his opportunity in the backline and Derickx is making reasonable progress backing up Mike Pyke in the ruck. But Franklin has already played a key role in two of the Swans' three victories. His four goals and 20 touches against Adelaide had him vying with Luke Parker for best-on-ground honours before his four second-half goals, 17 disposals and eight marks were critical as the club produced its best form of the season to date in the win over Fremantle.
Best moment: The standout so far was his second half against the Dockers. Goalless to half-time and with critics sharpening their knives in a must-win match, Buddy burst into life, taking a number of strong, contested marks and kicking four goals, including a booming effort from well outside 50m. – James Dampney

WEST COAST
Jamie Bennell: The Eagles have had three players make their AFL debuts this season: Dom Sheed, Brant Colledge, and Jeremy McGovern. The two high-profile recruits in Xavier Ellis and Elliot Yeo have played well. But the best debutant this year has been Jamie Bennell. The former Demon was recruited through the 2013 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and spent all of last season playing in the WAFL coming off a knee reconstruction in 2012. But a huge pre-season saw Bennell make his debut for his second club in round one, and his run and dash from the back pocket has been exceptional. He is wearing David Wirrpanda's number and has been playing in a similar manner.
Best moment: There have been some flashes of brilliance but one moment in the third term against Port Adelaide in round five stands out. In a contested situation on defensive 50m, Bennell produced an amazing gather and dished a clearing handball to Mark Hutchings that eventually led to a goal to Chris Masten. – Alex Malcolm

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Stewart Crameri: The former Bomber wasn't recruited to be the Bulldogs' power-forward savior, but he's been the next best thing so far in 2014. Sitting equal fifth in the Coleman Medal race with 14 goals, the 25-year-old has added smarts and work-rate to the Dogs' attack. He's kicked a goal in each game, including bags of four against Carlton and GWS. Brendan McCartney has also used Crameri as a troubleshooter across half-back to curb opposition run-ons.
Best moment: As the Dogs tried unsuccessfully to erode a four-goal deficit early in the final quarter against Carlton in round five, Crameri produced exactly what the club recruited him for. After cleverly reading the play and losing his man, Crameri skillfully gathered a Tom Liberatore pass, steadied and banged through a goal from outside 50. – Ryan Davidson