IS PATRICK Dangerfield a better recruit than Adam Treloar?

The two big name recruits, three years and 75 games experience apart, will go head-to-head at the MCG on Saturday when Geelong plays Collingwood.

No one can fault Dangerfield's move to Geelong.

The Cats sit second on the ladder having lost just one game and 'Danger' is a star at the top of his game. 

If his form continues he would be a worthy winner of this year's Brownlow Medal.

It's been all smiles for Patrick Dangerfield since joining the Cats. Picture: AFL Media

His teammate Cam Guthrie described Dangerfield's impact on Tuesday in a way that transcends numbers.

"He will help us become better players, and that is the way it has gone down at the moment," Guthrie said. 

But Treloar has managed to shine in a team that has been battered by injury and form after an interrupted pre-season.

When asked his view, recruiting expert Chris Pelchen, who spent time with Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and St Kilda, was keen to put on the record his admiration for both players.

"The first thing that should be said is that both are outstanding recruits and the other 16 teams in the competition would be happy to have either of those two players with them," Pelchen told AFL.com.au.

He says Dangerfield is clearly one of the top five players in the League and Treloar, once he matures even further, is a big chance to move into that category. 

But can you frame a case that suggests Treloar's move to Collingwood has been just as successful after eight rounds?

Probably, says Pelchen, who notes that while Dangerfield deserves every plaudit he has received for his performances so far, Treloar's efforts might have been a little underplayed.

"Adam's performance in an underperforming side has been equally noteworthy and while it may not attract the same headlines, if you actually look a little below the headlines, Adam should get a lot of credit," Pelchen said.

Treloar cost the Magpies two first-round picks and pick 62, with 2015's pick No.28 accompanying the 23-year-old to the Holden Centre.

To get Dangerfield, who was a free agent, Geelong handed over pick a first-round pick, promising youngster Dean Gore and pick No.28 and received a third-round pick back.

So Collingwood spent more to get their man but also got a player who is three years younger with, presumably, greater scope for improvement.

Which is where the debate gets interesting.

Treloar's numbers in the first eight rounds are nearly as good as Dangerfield's.

Average disposals and tackles are about equal and while the star Cat wins more contested possessions, Treloar wins more outside ball.

Treloar has been near the pill more of course, spending 90 per cent of his time in the midfield, compared to Dangerfield's 79 per cent.

The Cats' champion has taken five marks inside 50 compared to Treloar's one, kicking seven goals in the No.35 jumper while the sleek No.7 has kicked five for the Magpies.

Treloar's 75 per cent disposal efficiency and 410 average metres gained a game sits well with Dangerfield's 610m and 65 per cent disposal efficiency while both have more than eight score involvements a game.

Both are stars with Dangerfield ahead on the maturity and experience stakes.

He has delivered on the big stage whereas Treloar's time is yet to come.

The Cats' decision to recruit Dangerfield could pay off immediately whereas Collingwood's poor form means the Treloar dividend might not be realised until later this decade.

Adam Treloar has been a shining light for Collingwood in a tough season thus far. Picture: AFL Media

Whatever the outcome, both have lived up to the expectations as individuals that were created when they switched clubs last October. 

But both will have a point to prove when the ball is in their vicinity on Saturday.

And as a debate it might have a few years to run.

"Talking about the here and now, it's fair to say Paddy would be the player you would take here and now," Pelchen said.

"He leads from the front, starts nearly every game in the centre square and his impact, whether it be in performance or in leadership around the club, is exemplary.

"[But move] beyond 2018, the argument might be more split in terms of what people's opinions are."

Stats supplied by Champion Data